Marjorie Genieve Jones

Born on the 26th of April 1952, Jeanie was the third of seven siblings and the firstborn of the three daughters of Roy and Millicent Allen, her predeceased parents. Affectionately known as Jeanie, a name derived from her second Christian name Geneive, she embodied the qualities of being poised, gracious, reserved, capable, and clever.

Jeanie was christened by Arch Deacon Eric Linton Maxwell at St. Luke’s Anglican Church in August of the year of her birth. Her early childhood education began at the Stella Maris Preparatory School on Shortwood Road in the mid-1950s, where she followed in the footsteps of her two older brothers. During those early days as each young student attained the age of seven years the offered learning cycle had its closure as it started as a basic school for young co-heads in the early 1950s before the school was extended to full preparatory status in the 1960s. For safety reasons, her parents decided to move Jeanie to Swallow Field Primary before she turned seven, joining her brothers. The trio later continued their education at Binger’s Prep on Constant Spring Road, thanks to a retired educator from Swallow Field Primary who had established a private school at her residence.

In addition to her early formal education, Jeanie attended Sunday school at both Shortwood Congregational Church and Elim Gospel Hall, which instilled the values of discipline, social interaction, and character building.

Jeanie transitioned to New Day Primary, where her athletic prowess was quickly discovered. She excelled in sprinting, earning the moniker "God Horse" for her unbeatable speed over various distances. Her remarkable athletic talents continued to shine as she moved on to Holy Childhood High School for Girls, where she not only grew academically but also continued to dominate in sports, she became a medal winner on numerous occasions earning her the opportunity to represent her school at Girls Championships from 1968 to 1969.

Jeanie's accomplishments extended beyond athletics. She was trained in shorthand and typing at Holy Childhood Commercial Centre, these skills served her well in her future career following in the footprints of the school's motto “Post Proleium Praemium” when translated implies “After the battle, the reward”. Proceeding graduation, she embarked on her professional journey, starting at Tropicair Jealousy Limited and later working at Kingston and St. Andrews Corporation (KSAC) and Island Traffic Authority on Manhattan Road, Cross Road 1971 - 1977.

Her exodus from Jamaica to the United States of America spanned a total of 47 consecutive years from February 1977 to May 2024. Jeanie’s time in New York encompassed a total of over 20 years of residency. It gained for her two major accomplishments firstly she walked down the aisle in December of 1981 with her husband Franklin Jones hereby acquiring the name Mrs. Marjorie Allen-Jones which remained with her for over four decades. She also built a successful career spanning eighteen years as Secretary which pinnacled to the position of Executive Secretary to the Vice President of Chemical Bank, Park Avenue New York.

Subsequently, with over two decades of bitterly cold winter exposure, the decision was made to return to a warmer tropical experience thus Florida became her second state of residence along with her husband and family for the next twenty-plus years. It is worth mentioning that her invaluable expertise in secretarial affairs and office management led her to also obtain employment with the prestigious Florida State Attorney’s Office.

Jeanie wore many hats: She was very fashionable, always attractively dressed, and could almost be considered a little vain at times, some admirers would probably say very eye-catching indeed. Occasionally, Marjorie would indulge in a little frivolity as there was never a dull moment, just a pleasant friendly individual who attended social engagements when she could.

She was a loving and dedicated wife for 42 years, an affectionate and caring mother to her four kids and thirteen grandchildren, reputed and best described as a loving and worthy aunt, a proven exponent with a raft of culinary skills, an ardent churchgoer, and a successful career secretary in the corporate world.

Despite facing major medical challenges in her later years, Jeanie handled them with bravery and grace, holding on to her faith in Jesus. She was continuously encouraged, strengthened, and supported by Holiness Temple church family. She had daily devotion and bible readings while residing with her eldest daughter Sachine and family. Jeanie was supported by the love and care of her family and the medical professionals. She passed away peacefully on the fifth of May, leaving behind a legacy of dignity, pride, and decency. Let us remember the joy she brought into each of our lives. Her memory will live on in our hearts forever.