Freida M. Jones

Freida Mae Jones was born on September 27, 1934, in Indianapolis, Indiana to John Harvey and Elizabeth Clemons. She was the middle sibling to older sister Janis and younger brother John. Freida and her family lived in the historic Lockefield Gardens. It was from that residence in which she attended Indianapolis Public Schools, graduating in 1951 from Crispus Attucks High School in the Top 10 percent of her class. On January 10, 1952, Freida married the love of her life, Carroll W. Jones, who she affectionately called “Henny.” The couple had seven children and provided them with a loving and stable home. Freida and Carroll balanced being stern parents who emphasized discipline, respect, and high expectations with witty sense of humors and regular family road trips that always included home-cooked fried chicken and brownies. At the time of Carroll’s death, the couple had been married 50 years. Freida was a hard-working woman whose professional endeavors included IU Medical Center, Indiana Bell, Al Ewing Cleaners, and American Fletcher National Bank/Bank One. She officially retired in 1992, around the same time she became an entrepreneur. Freida was an exceptional cook and baker. Through her business, Freida’s World, people outside her family were able to enjoy delicious baked goods. Among her specialties were homemade rolls, peach cobbler, and German chocolate and caramel cakes. Freida loved the Lord and spent a great deal of time in church. As a child she attended 25th Street Baptist Church and later joined New Hope Baptist Church. As an adult, Freida became a faithful member of Messiah Missionary Baptist Church where she remained active until her health limited her regular participation. Throughout her life, Freida was an active Christian who taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, and participated in both the Sarah and Bessie Simmons Circles. While her children were active on Monday evenings with Christian education experiences of their own, Freida could be found down the hall at Messiah overseeing the youth education classes for the Sunshine Band. When away from church, Freida’s playlist included Aretha Franklin, James Cleveland, Walter Hawkins, and Bishop Gilbert E. Patterson. Freida was the rock of her family. Her children loved her immensely and meticulously cared for her until the very end. Freida passed away peacefully on May 9, 2022. Her simple elegance, sense of humor, exquisite cooking and baking, and financially savvy guidance is what her family will miss most. Freida is preceded in death by her parents, husband Carroll, Sr., sons Carroll, Jr. and Johnny, Sr., and sister Janis. Freida’s legacy will continue through her survivors: children Catherine, Anthony (Patricia), Anita, Steven, and Elizabeth; brother John Clemons, Jr.; 26 grandchildren; and 37 great-grandchildren. Freida will be greatly missed but will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.