Former Knox County Commissioner Diane Jordan Dies at 78

Trailblazing first Black woman on the Knox County Commission passes away.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Diane Jordan, the first Black woman to serve on the Knox County Commission, has died at the age of 78. Jordan served on the commission from 1994 to 2007 and was known for her extensive hat collection. In 2017, the I-275 bridge over Elm Street/Bernard Avenue was renamed after her to honor her legacy.

Why it matters

Jordan's passing marks the end of an era for Knox County politics, as she was a trailblazing figure who broke barriers as the first Black woman on the county commission. Her service and advocacy for her community left a lasting impact.

The details

Jordan sued the county in 2006 over a 1994 charter amendment that limited county commissioners and other leaders to two terms. The Tennessee Supreme Court later ruled that while the charter had problems, the term-limit provisions were valid, leading to Jordan being ineligible to hold office. This also resulted in what's known as "Black Wednesday," a special meeting where a number of deal-making, vote-trading lawmakers filled 12 term-limited offices.

  • Jordan served on the Knox County Commission from 1994 to 2007.
  • In 2017, the I-275 bridge over Elm Street/Bernard Avenue was renamed after Jordan to honor her legacy.
  • In 2006, Jordan sued the county over a 1994 charter amendment that limited county commissioners to two terms.
  • In January 2007, the Tennessee Supreme Court ruled that the term-limit provisions were valid, leading to Jordan being ineligible to hold office.

The players

Diane Jordan

The first Black woman to serve on the Knox County Commission, serving from 1994 to 2007.

Jackie Striuckland-Flack

A family member of Diane Jordan who announced her passing.

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What they’re saying

“It is with great sadness that I must inform you that our matriarch of our Taylor family has gained her wings. Thank you for all of your prayers and support during this difficult time! But God!!! To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord!! She was a one of a kind!! Lady Diane we will always love you and thank you for being my auntie/cousin my childhood revolved around you!! Now take your Crown you deserve your REST!!”

— Jackie Striuckland-Flack, Family member (wbir.com)

The takeaway

Diane Jordan's legacy as the first Black woman on the Knox County Commission will continue to inspire and shape the county's political landscape, even after her passing. Her trailblazing service and advocacy for her community left an indelible mark on Knox County.