Balma Hayes Jordan was born on March 13, 1917, in Mendenhall, Mississippi. She was the seventh of ten children born to James Albert and Mallissie Hayes. All of her siblings preceded her in death.

Balma was baptized at age eight and became a member of Bethlehem M.B. Church in Mendenhall, Mississippi. She attended school at Broomfield, Mary Grove, Mendenhall and Piney Woods. Later in life, she attended Purdue University and became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN); a profession she dearly loved. She worked at hospitals in Gary, Indiana, Chicago, Illinois, and finally at Simpson General Hospital in Mendenhall, Mississippi where she retired at the age of 72.

She was a devoted wife to the late Alderwin Jordan and the loving mother of six children: Howard McLaurin (deceased), Helen Jackson, James McLaurin, Joy Ann Wallace, Sherille Gary (deceased) and Joyce Sykes. Balma worked tirelessly to raise her children while always finding time to help others.

After living in Chicago, Illinois and Gary, Indiana for many years, Balma returned home to Mendenhall, Mississippi and renewed her membership with Bethlehem M.B. Church where she remained a devoted member and worker until her health begin to fail. She served as Church Clerk for 23 years, Sunday School Teacher, Choir Member, Mother of the Church, and was available to help out anytime she was needed. She was also a member of the N.AACP, Calico Quilters, Heroines of Jericho, and Senior Swingers. She was one of the founders of Tarrytown M.B. Church in Gary Indiana, under the leadership of the late Reverend T. J. Shipp.

She leaves with cherished memories, her children: Helen Jackson (George), James McLaurin (Geraldine),  Joy Wallace, and  Joyce Sykes; 15 grandchildren; 14 great grands and three great great grands; and a host of relatives and friends.