Jessie Mae Jones

Jessie Mae Kelly Jones was born March 11, 1938 in Dallas, Texas. She was born to the parentage of Derrick D. Kelly, Sr. and Jessie Bell Thompson. Her early education was in the Dallas Pubic Schools. She graduated from Lincoln High School and attended Wiley College. It is during this period she met daddy, Frank Oliver Jones, Sr. To this union was born 6 children.

Jessie was a vivacious, loving, caring, energetic, fun-loving, passionate person. She never met a stranger and those who came in contact with her, never ever forgot her. People always wanted her around. She was a giving person also. She gave to the homeless, reached out to countless people caring for family, friends and all.

Jessie retired from ARCO and went to nursing school. She used those skills to help heal others. People always felt better after being around her. Jessie loved family. There was nothing she would not do for family.

Jessie sang in the choir and served on the usher board at Greater Garth Chapel A.M.E. Church, where her father, Derrick D. Kelly, Sr. was one of the founding fathers of the church. She loved the Lord and to the very end of her life gave thanks to God and praised Him for His goodness. Her ministry went beyond the doors of the church, into the world. She was not only a woman of great faith that exuded the love of Christ, but she was an excellent wife and mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Jessie will be missed more than words can be expressed. She was a jewel and now she has her crown. The Bible says, “her children will rise up and call her blessed” for mama far exceeds them all.

Jessie entered into eternal rest on November 12, 2022. She leaves to memory: Three daughters, Gladys Francine Jones, LaJuanda Sheri Jones and Myrna Neivia Jones; three sons, Frank Oliver Jones, Jr., Victor Dwain Jones, CPA and Micheal Curtis Jones, Sr., and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, in-laws and relatives and friends.

Jessie Mae siblings were Derrick D. Kelly Jr., Mamie Darden, David Kelly, Mary Louise Braggs, John Henry Kelly who preceded her in death. Jessie Mae is survived by her sister, Annah Bell Kelly, who loved and helped care for her to the end of her life. Thank you, Annie and to everyone that helped, encouraged and prayed for our mother, grandmother and great- grandmother. There is no way we could fully convey our gratitude for your love, concern, care, kind words, thoughtfulness and prayers.