Jordyn Taylor Priestley

Outgoing, energetic, and a gifted athlete are just a few words to describe Jordyn Priestley, yet beautiful human are the most fitting words to paint the true picture of her warm personality. Jordyn was a vibrant person who enjoyed people and found solace in the outdoors where she could hike the river trails, fall asleep in a hammock while camping, or go deer hunting with her dad, grandpa, aunt, and uncle over the years. Her greatest gift was her authentic acceptance of others. Gone too soon, Jordyn’s collection of memories will forever hold a special place in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

1992 was characterized by the maiden voyage of the Space Shuttle Endeavour, the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles, the completion of the Superdome in Atlanta, and the establishment of the cable television network, Cartoon Network. Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and Bon Jovi were making the charts and on April 30th, Ron and Margaret (Taylor) Priestley welcomed home their own star, Jordyn Taylor in Lancaster, California. Born the youngest of three children, she looked up to her older brother, Warren, and sister, Jessica. Her birth brought her family great joy and much happiness.

With a set of hard working parents, Jordyn relied on her older brother and sister to support her during her growing years. They were there when their mother was busy working in both drywall construction and sales and dad was working with Northrop Grumman Aerospace, teaching Jordyn how to walk and talk. When she finally grew tired of changing diapers, Jessica even managed to potty train her! As a child, Jordyn loved nothing more than a good challenge! She’d often create indoor obstacle courses propelling herself off of them. She never seemed to lack for energy and when everyone needed a break, they’d convince her to play hide and seek just to have a reprieve from her endless endurance for activity! The family saw her as a tomboy as she loved to be shirtless and carefree! When it came to sports, she loved to hang with the older neighborhood kids and play their own combination of hockey and baseball. Using a tennis ball, they’d play with hockey sticks and a baseball glove to create, “hockey ball,” one of Jordyn’s all time favorites!

While attending high school, Jordyn excelled in anything she put her mind to doing. Sports definitely defined her years as a teen. She loved both basketball and softball earning All State honors in basketball in both Michigan and California. Playing shortstop in softball and point guard in basketball, Jordyn was a strong athlete through and through, despite many sports injuries, including three concussions. She also earned All State honors in softball in Michigan, yet due to a broken leg, she missed out on playing her sophomore year. Moving on from high school, Jordyn went on to study both criminal justice and business administration at Grand Valley University where she earned her Associate's Degree. Jordyn worked hard at anything she wanted in life.

With an adventurous spirit like Jordyn’s, it is no surprise that her interests were vast and plentiful. Her California roots showed in her huge loyalty to both the LA Dodgers and the Lakers. She also enjoyed following her favorite hockey team, the Detroit Red Wings! Jordyn loved literally all types of music, yet she mostly liked rap and hip hop and electric dance music! Dancing brought out her joyous side where she could release her energy and have a great time with friends. Wherever the local band, Griz was playing, one would surely find Jordyn dancing to the beat and singing along to her favorites! When the band was not playing or the hockey and basketball season was over, she loved to hang with friends and watch movies. Scary movies were her favorite, yet only if she could watch from beneath the security of a blanket! She filled each and every moment doing the things she loved best!

Much like her parents, Jordyn was a hard worker. She spent time working at both the Sprint retail store and The Mitten serving pizzas. Her beautiful smile was a great asset to her many customers at the store and regulars at the restaurant. When it came to food, Jordyn was definitely not a picky eater! The more hot sauce, the better; especially if it accompanied her favorite breakfast dish, Chorizo and eggs! Never one to turn down trying something new, Jordyn also loved to coat her fruit in hot Tajin sauce! Jordyn leaves behind a rich legacy of being the light for so many. Her positive outlook uplifted so many of her close friends and family over the years. There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for someone in need. Jordyn will be remembered for her loving and selfless ways as well as her charming and often humorous side. Each person who was touched by her life is forever grateful for the lessons she gave so selflessly.

Jordyn Taylor Priestley of Grand Rapids, Michigan passed away unexpectedly September 11, 2017. Jordyn was born April 30, 1992, in Lancaster, CA. She was a loving daughter, sister, and friend. Jordyn will be forever loved by her parents, Ron and Margaret Priestley of Lancaster, CA; sister, Jessica Wood of Lancaster, CA; brother, Warren Wood of Grand Rapids; grandfather, Donald Priestley of Lancaster, CA; many aunts, uncles, cousins; and many friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ivan and Francis Taylor, and Laura Priestley. She will be remembered for her engaging and warm way with friends and strangers alike. A service to celebrate her life will be held Friday, September 15 at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Friends may visit with her family beginning at 9 AM. Please visit Jordyn's personal web page to leave a memory, condolence or sign the guestbook at www.lifestorynet.com.