/fit-in/200x300/filters:fill(white)/prod/704/267242/ib6podj7kcaaimtvjdll.jpg)
Obituary For Mary Jones
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 1950βs, 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.
Send flowers to the service of Mary Jones
Photos & Video
Condolences & Tributes
Add A Condolence
Our deepest condolences to the family of Mrs. Mary Jones family. Our prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Earle & Marcia Turner
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, aunt Mary will truly be missed. Much Love to the Jones family & the Rayford family. ππ½ππ½ππ
Sending our sincerest love, thoughts, and prayers on behalf of the Annapolis, MD Rayford family. We love Aunt Mae and will sincerely miss her. The legacy she leaves will be carried in our thoughts and our hearts. Love, Jenifer ( & Jenny' children and grandchildren), Andrew, & Sandra's kids. ππΏππΏ
Sincere condolences for the family of Mrs Mary Jones. I'm praying God's comfort and love always for each of you ππΏβ₯οΈππΏ From Roslyn Lucky-Sudberry Bedford,Ohio
The sweetest soul I have ever known. An angel on earth, full of love, joy, wisdom, charity, and God's love for All. I will truly miss my Auntie. My heart goes out to my Uncle James; my cousins Winsome, Jennifer, Toya, and Larry Jr. With my deepest sympathy Cherice Melton
Our love prayers and deepest condolences to the Jones and Rayford Family. Johnny and Barbara Goss
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. With love, Reverends Russell and Adrienne Ewell.
Mrs Jones was so nice and embraced my family as her own. I have nothing but good memories of her. She always sent me a cards when I graduated High Shool and College. She will be greatly missed. My condolences to the family.
Your memory is a keepsake from which our family will never part. Thank you, Mary, for all the love & kindness you've shown us over the years. May God bless you in his arms! Your loving cousin Elaine Hobbs & family.
To the Family of Mary... Words cannot express my feelings... With Heartfelt sadness Praying Strength, Comfort, and Peace during this time and in the future. Mary you will always have a place in our Hearts!!! Love Always from Renee, Murad, Anjol, and Laiya McCoggle-Stevens Family
We are so grateful to have had you in our lives you will be miss and all ways LOVED from Carl Crystal Chelton Cedric
With Heartfelt Sympathy from Louise, Luetreal, Blond, Lonnie Jr., and Donnie Ingram. Extended to our family the Jones-Rayford. You're in our Prayers with Love.
Our Thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We are sorry for your loss. Love, Phyllis & Franklin Gomez and family
On behalf of Wayman African Methodist Church in Saint Louis, Missouri, we would like to extend our fondest condolences to the Jones and Ewell families. We know that there is no earthly sorrow that heaven cannot heal. We pray for God's comfort to be with the family during this season of transition.
God is always a very present help.
Pastor Clinton L. Stancil Sr., Wayman African Methodist Episcopal Church 5010 Cabanne Avenue St. Louis, Missouri 63113 314-361-4123
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
