Former Elk City Teacher Holds Special Connection With Late President Jimmy Carter

President Jimmy Carter’s death was felt in one Oklahoma town.

Carter paid a visit to Elk City twice in the 1970s. Those visits created memories that will live on forever for one family. 

Related Coverage: Jimmy Carter In Oklahoma: Looking Back On Carter’s Visits To Elk City, Stillwater

Anyone with a desire to learn must stop by Elk City’s National Route 66 Museum and the Western Oklahoma Historical Society. Beverly Jordan and her husband Donnie Jordan help run the museum. It’s fitting that they’re former teachers.  

“I taught accounting and business math,” Beverly Jordan said. “Taught here for thirty years.” 

As a former art teacher, Donnie has an eye for creativity. 

“There’s no good or bad [art],” he said. “If you like it, you like it.” 

Outside the museum, flags flew at half-staff to honor a late president who put Elk City on the map. 

“Yes, and did so many kind, and wonderful things for the citizens of the United States,” Jordan said. 

During a campaign stop in 1976, Carter visited Jordan’s small town. In a 1979 interview, Carter said he had never visited a place as warm and open-hearted during his campaign as Elk City. Carter promised to return to Elk City and kept his promise in 1979 as commander in chief. 

"It was really fun,” Jordan said. “He came back. I think it was good for our town as well as the state of Oklahoma.” 

Jordan attended Carter’s speech. Carter also held meetings in Jordan’s classroom. She left a photo of her daughter Joni for Carter on her podium and the rest is history. 

“I wrote a letter from her asking President Carter to exchange photos,” Jordan said. “When I went back on the podium it was gone.” 

After Carter’s visit, Jordan’s principal called her into the office and gave her an envelope from the White House. The envelope had a photo inside of Carter and his wife Rosalynn. The photo said, “Best wishes Joni Jordan” with Carter’s signature. 

“Very excited,” Jordan said. “I'm sure I ran up and down the halls.”  

Carter set an example for Jordan and taught her the definition of humility. 

“I think it showed that ... we could be that same way and still be important to society,” Jordan said. 

Carter left behind a grateful community in Elk City with a timeless story for anyone on Route 66 who stops by and listens. 

“Rest in peace Mr. Carter,” Jordan said. “He had a wonderful life. I’m thankful for that.”