Catherine Jones

First Lady Catherine Jones, eighty-seven, was called home from labor to reward on Thursday, November 6, 2025 to be with the Lord. She was born on January 31, 1938, in Alexandria, Louisiana and was the daughter of Reverend Ephraim and Mrs. Bessie Hobbs. She was baptized by her father at an early age, and was educated in Alexandria, Louisiana. She married her playground playmate and childhood sweetheart Louis Jones Jr. who became a gospel quartet singer. The couple later relocated to San Jose, California with their family. Shortly after arriving in San Jose, she and her family joined Emmanuel Baptist Church where the Reverend George Smith was Founder and Pastor. As a member of Emmanuel, she joined the adult Choir. When her husband became a Deacon of the church, she became a Deaconess. During her husband’s Deaconship, he was called by God into the ministry and became an ordained Minister.

In 1978, her husband, Reverend Louis Jones Jr., was inspired by God to establish True Vine Baptist Church. Sister Jones became the first Lady of the newly organized congregation and served on numerous platforms within the church. Her platforms included: Church Historian, Deaconess Board Instructor, Sunday School Teacher, New Member Orientation Leader, Women’s Mission Member, Adult Choir Member, Organizer of the TVBC Junior Choir, Junior Choir Pianist, TVBC Christmas Convalescent Home Fellowship Leader, Wardrobe Designer for Church Drama Presentations, Food Pantry Volunteer, and Church Building Fund Projects Leader which included work with the San Jose Sports Arena. In addition, First Lady Jones was instrumental in landscaping the exterior church property.

Professionally, she was a Supervisor for the Zyrtec Corporation for many years and a Fabric Care Specialist. Finally, after gaining knowledge of the upcoming birth of her first grandchild, she asked her husband if she could retire and stay home with the new baby. He agreed with her desire to retire. After her grandchild Sean Glenn was born, she became a licensed childcare provider. Her favorite hobby was bowling. She was an advent bowler and won many trophies with her skill of the game.

As a faithful leader and first lady, she was an advisor, mentor and friend to all she met. She faithfully supported her husband and pastor in his ministry, with poise and dignity matched by few. She was an elegant gem within the True Vine Church Family and known to be a sharp and classy lady from top to bottom. She has made an indelible mark in Christendom as a first lady, and most importantly, she loved the Lord dearly and was a complete champion of holiness. Her favorite scripture was Psalms 121:1-2 “ I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.”

First Lady Jones was preceded in death by her father Reverend Ephraim Hobbs Sr.; mother Bessie Hobbs; brother Louis Hobbs; brother Ephraim Hobbs Jr.; sister Gloria Hobbs; sister Inez Richard; sister Ruth Reed; brother Eston Hobbs; sister Dorothy Elmore; and sister Viola Smith.

First Lady Jones leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband, Reverend Dr. Louis Jones Jr.; brother Willie Hobbs and wife Linda Hobbs; daughter Margaret Glenn and husband Sammie Glenn; daughter Deborah Dorton and husband Herod Dorton Jr.; son Pastor Evans Ray Jones and wife Denise Jones; and a host of grandchildren,great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She will be deeply missed by all who loved and cherished her. The memories of her love will always be in our hearts.