Mary (Mae) Phillip Rayford Jones was born on August 19,1936 to the late Reverend Phillip and Violet Rayford in Perry, Georgia. She was the third oldest of 12 children raised at the family home on Holiday Street in Valdosta, Georgia. She graduated from Dasher High School. Mary accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour at an early age and attended the family Church, Evergreen Baptist Church where her father was Pastor.

She was united in holy matrimony to James Jones, a union of over 67 years where she exemplified the Proverbs 31 wife and mother. They were blessed with three children, Larry, Winsome Marie, and James Bernard.

Moving to Cleveland, Ohio in the mid 1950’s, the family worshipped at Everlasting Baptist Church where she was a faithful member of the Usher Board and Sunday School.

Mary was a stay-at-home Mom until the children were through elementary school and then entered the workforce ultimately retiring from University Hospitals of Cleveland Dietary Department to return to their hometown of Valdosta, Georgia.

Upon returning to Valdosta, James and Mary re-established cherished relationships with family and friends. She faithfully served on the Rayford Family Reunion Committee as treasurer. They became members of the New Zion Christian Center.

Mary had the spiritual gift of hospitality and lovingly made everyone feel welcome and special. Being a talented cook she fed anyone and everyone who she met in both Cleveland and Valdosta. Her sweet potato pies were legendary. She was generous, hardworking, with a quiet spirit as she caringly met the needs of her husband, her children, her large family, and her Church.

Mary departed this life on Sunday January 23, 2022. She was preceded in death by her devoted sons James Bernard Jones and just recently Judge Larry Jones; her oldest brother Abraham Rayford and her older sister Laverne Faulk.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her loving, faithful husband of seven decades James Jones; her daughter, Winsome Jones Gaines (Tyrone) and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Jones [both of Cleveland, OH]; grandchildren LaToya Jones, Larry Jones II (Natia), Radin Mason, and Stephanie Adams [all of Cleveland, OH]; great grandchildren Ciarra Price and Jordan Adams [both of Cleveland, OH]. Sisters, Ruby Shaw [Miami, FL], Rev. Violet Ewell (Harold) [St. Louis, MO], Betty Mumford (Earl), Sherry Matchett (Ben), and Catherine Wright [all of Valdosta, GA]. Brothers, Harry Rayford (Lillie) [Thomasville, GA], Willie Rayford (Patricia), John Rayford (Essie), Elijah Rayford (Gloria) [all of Valdosta, GA]. And a host of Nephews, Nieces, Cousins, Church Family, and devoted Friends.

Home going services for Mrs. Mary Jones will be held on Sunday, January 30 at 3:30 P. M. at Morning Star Baptist Church, Rev Hooker is the pastor and Rev. Norman Edwards will officiate. Burial will follow in the Sunset Hill Cemetery. If you are unable to attend the service, please join us at scottandrobertsmortuary.com to witness the home going service of Sister Jones.