Mrs. Eleanor Rita Stoves

Eleanor Rita Washington Jones Stoves  was born on March 16, 1930, the sixth of twelve children, into a large and loving family shaped by faith, resilience, and deep familial bonds. She was born to the late John H. Washington and Jesse Josephine Young, who laid the foundation for the values that would guide Eleanor throughout her life.

In 1930, Eleanor was baptized in the Catholic faith at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, marking the beginning of a lifelong spiritual journey. Her faith remained a steady and grounding presence, one that she carried with quiet devotion and strength.

In 1976, Eleanor became a devoted member of St. Clotilde’s Catholic Church in Chicago, Illinois, where she found community, fellowship, and continued spiritual nourishment. Her commitment to her church reflected the depth of her faith and her belief in service, tradition, and connection.

Eleanor received her early education in the District of Columbia Public Schools, where she began developing the discipline, curiosity, and work ethic that would define her life. She later attended D.C. Teachers College, continuing her commitment to learning and service.

In November 1949, Paul Fleming Jones married Eleanor R. Washington, beginning a loving partnership that would span many years. From this union came three devoted children: Paul Edward, Gail Theresa, and Karl Anthony, who were the pride and joy of her life. In 1978, Eleanor married Charley Stoves, with whom she shared a long and loving companionship.

Eleanor found joy in many pursuits and expressed herself through creativity. She loved dancing, cooking for family and friends, and generously assisted others with tax preparation, especially older individuals. A gifted crocheter, she was known as a true crochet queen, creating beautiful handmade pieces with care and love. She also enjoyed playing cards and was a master of Skip-Bo. In all she did, Eleanor was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

From 1950 until her retirement, Eleanor dedicated her professional life to serving several agencies within the Federal Government. Throughout her career, she held numerous leadership roles, earning respect for her integrity, diligence, and commitment to excellence.

After retiring, Eleanor’s service to others did not slow. Instead, she devoted even more of her time and energy to community involvement, taking on additional leadership roles and continuing to uplift those around her. She lived out her faith through action, guided by the virtues of charity, unity, and patriotism, values deeply rooted in the Catholic Church and the communities she served.

Despite her busy schedule, Eleanor always made time for what she loved most: her family, friends, and community. She cherished being involved in social organizations and especially treasured family gatherings. Eleanor delighted in spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating lasting memories through shared adventures to the playground, museums, movies, vacations, and many other meaningful moments together.

Eleanor lived a joyful, humorous, productive, and determined life until her final day, December 12, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and resilience.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her husbands, Paul F. Jones and Charley H. Stoves; her sons, Paul E. Jones and Karl A. Jones; her six brothers, Frances “Drac” Washington, Joseph “Bun” Washington, Paul “Governor” Washington, John Washington, Vincent “Goock” Washington, and Anthony “P.T.” Washington; and her three sisters, Mary “Ernie” Preston, Doris Elizabeth Moore-Harris, and Marjorie Everett.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving daughter, Gail Lovelace; her grandchildren, Ryan (Salvatore), Resa B. (Nathalie), Arielle T., Paul (Jennifer), and Matthew; her great-grandchildren, Lindsey R., Amelia, Davis, and Marcus. She is also lovingly remembered by a host of nieces, with special appreciation to her niece Donna, whose devoted care ensured Eleanor’s comfort and peace until the very end. The family extends heartfelt thanks to her brother, Kenny, who welcomed Eleanor into his home upon her return to Maryland from Chicago, and to Phillip Sr., whose frequent visits kept her spirits high. She is further remembered by nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended relatives, and dear friends, especially her cherished friend Carolyn, who filled her days with joy through visits, card games, encouragement, and shared memories.

Eleanor lived by these words:

“Don’t cry for me because I’m not gone, but so long until we meet again, for we should cry at birth and rejoice at death.”

Words written by and inspired with love,

Butterfly