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Hundreds of mourners say goodbye to Susan Jordan

At funeral for the principal of Amy Beverland Elementary School, who was struck by a school bus after pushing students out the way, she was remembered for her dedication and compassion.

Olivia Lewis
IndyStar
Early attendees are shown at the funeral for Susan Jordan, the Indianapolis elementary school principal killed in a bus accident this week. Jordan's funeral was being held Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, at St. Luke's United Methodist Church.

One after another, speakers at Saturday's funeral for Susan Jordan talked about her dedication to students and love for others.

The Lawrence Township elementary school principal who died Tuesday after being struck by a school bus was called a "hero" and a "legend," and one colleague said Jordan showed her compassion when she ended most conversations with four simple words: "I love you, honey."

But the Rev. Rob Fuguay, senior pastor at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, said Jordan would have been most understanding with one person in particular: the driver of the bus.

He said Jordan likely would have said: "I love you and I need you to keep driving these kids safely to school and back again."

At least 800 people said farewell to Susan Jordan on Saturday. The lower level of St. Luke's was filled for the funeral for the principal of Amy Beverland Elementary School at the church at 100 W. 86th St. Hundreds also packed the church during the six-hour visitation for Jordan on Friday.

Susan Jordan, the principal at Amy Beverland Elementary School, was fatally struck by a school bus on Jan. 26, 2016. The driver told police Jordan pushed students out of the way before she was struck.

Since Jordan's death, an outpouring of support for her family, students, parents and employees has surfaced. Neighboring school districts, local leaders and the community at-large have made their appreciation known for the "hero" principal.

Jordan, 69, was killed Tuesday after a school bus jumped a curb at the school at 11650 Fox Road. Jordan, who had been principal at Amy Beverland for 22 years, died at the scene after pushing students out of harm's way. Two 10-year-olds were injured in the accident.

Mourners could be seen crying quietly and hugging each other, as they paid their respects.

Indianapolis mayor Joe Hogsett spoke at the funeral, saying that in an instant, Jordan had a decision to make and she made that decision without hesitation and with courage and unconditional love.

That decision didn’t make her a hero, Hogsett said, because she had been a hero long before that moment.

"Her dedication, the way that she lived her life, is what makes this city, our city, a place worth calling home," Hogsett said.

Shawn Smith, superintendent of Lawrence Township Schools, said Jordan was a "legend," adding, "That staff was modeled in her image — an image of kids first."

Jan Combs, an assistant superintendent with Hamilton Southeastern Schools and a former colleague of Jordan's in Lawrence Township, said her friend ended every conversation the same way, saying "I love you, honey."

"I think if Susan were here, she would challenge us to love deeply," Combs said, "to show up in ways that matter."

Lawrence Mayor Steve Collier also spoke briefly, saying, "What an unbelievably impactful life Susan had."

And State Rep. John Bartlett, D-Indianapolis, told those in attendance that Jan. 30 would forever be known as Susan Jordan Day in his district, House District 95, where Amy Beverland Elementary is located.

Authorities say students were boarding the bus around 2:45 p.m., when the tragedy occurred. The investigation is ongoing, but police reported that the bus driver showed no outward signs of impairment and no mechanical issues were found with the vehicle.

Jordan's family has since created the Susan Jordan Memorial Fund to benefit students at the elementary school. The fund is administered by the Lawrence Township School Foundation.

IndyStar reporters Vic Ryckaert, Madeline Buckley and Will Higgins contributed to this story. Call IndyStar reporter Olivia Lewis at (317) 444-6126. Follow her on Twitter: @TheWrittenPeace.

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