Florence Lawson Jones

Florence Lawson Jones was born Florence Jackson on August 10, 1932 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She was the first born of four children to Glover and Daisy Bell Jackson. She moved to Cleveland, Ohio with her parents, two sisters and one brother.

Florence was educated in public schools attending Joseph E. Smith Elementary School and 5th Street Junior High School in Chattanooga, TN. She attended Central Jr. and John Hay High School in Cleveland, Ohio.

Florence met and married Sherman Lawson. To this union four sons were born, Sherman Jr., Marshall Lee, Sheridan and Jerome Glover Lawson. When Jerome started school she went to work for the Cleveland Plaza Coffee Shop and the Union Club of Cleveland. After retiring from the Union Club she went to work for the City of East Cleveland and worked under four mayors, Mayor Emanuel Onawor, Mayor Groggins, Mayor Brewer and Mayor Morton. While at city hall, she worked in the mayor’s office taking complaints for the residents. She also worked as a switchboard operator, vital statistics, community development and receptionist in the finance dept., cashier and accounts receivable.

Florence was a member of Morning Star Chapter No. 4 Order of Eastern star and was a member of all five houses. Florence loved to cook and her favorite was her macaroni and cheese and her pound cake. Florence was also a jazzy dresser and was often called Miss Jazzy.

She received her BA Degree at an early age and joined the Friendship Baptist Church in Chattanooga, TN under the pastorate of Rev. Elinor and sang with the junior choir after moving to Cleveland, Ohio. She joined Beulah Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Rev. A.L. Cunningham and sang in the choir. She later joined Everlasting Missionary Baptist Church under the late Rev. M. L. Smith and joined the usher board No. 1. That same year she was elected president of the usher board and served as president

for more than 30 years under pastor Chappell. He crowned her a Mother and that same year she was elected Chairman of the Mother’s Board.

While at Everlasting Missionary Baptist Church, she also served as Vice President of the Pastor’s Aide, she worked with the senior First Committee, Nice Committee of the ML Smith Inspirational Choir and Secretary of the Adult No. 1 Sunday School Class.

Florence also loved to travel, she traveled to almost every state in the United States including Hawaii and Alaska. She also went on many cruises including Hawaii and Alaska.

Florence met and married Andre Jones at age 80 and was very happy until his death. She missed him for a long time after his death.

She was preceded in death by her late husband; Andre Jones, parents; Glover and Daisy Jackson, children; Sherman Jr., Marshall Lee and Sheridan Lawson, grandson; Rayshaun Harris and siblings; Louise Jackson and Otis Jackson. She is survived by her son; Jerome Glover Lawson (Laureen), 12 grandchildren, great grandchildren, sister; Lillie Miller (Earnest deceased) and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A visitation for Florence will be held Thursday, October 26, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Cummings & Davis Funeral Home, 13201 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44112. A wake will occur Friday, October 27, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Everlasting Baptist Church, 579 Eddy Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44108. A homegoing service will occur Friday, October 27, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Everlasting Baptist Church, 579 Eddy Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44108. An interment hillcrest memorial park cemetery will occur.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cummingsanddavisfh.com for the Jones family.