Berder Lee Jones

Berder was born July 5, 1934, in Marion Junction, Alabama. She is the last of three children born to the late John Henry and Naomi Mason. She received her education through the school system in Alcoa, Tennessee where she grew up. Her parents as well as her siblings, Esther Shafer, and Isaac Mason, all proceeded her in death.

She met and married Bernard Jones on January 2, 1957, and from this union, they were blessed by God with a child which they named, Bertoni. When Bernard was stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base, they moved to Spokane, WA in 1974. She later joined Calvary Baptist Church in 1976 where she was a dedicated and active member for over 48 years until her passing. She served as a member and President of the Voices of Calvary, Women’s Missionary, Trustee Board, Culinary Supervisor, Church Clerk for over 42 years, and worked in the church garden as well as other committees to help support the church. She made sure to keep her son Bertoni involved in the church as well.

Berder worked for many years at Washington Trust Bank and later at East Central Community Center, where she worked hard and enjoyed both jobs. She was a charter member of The Spokane Chapter of The Links Incorporated, an international women’s service organization where she embodied their goals which included friendship and service. She held many positions and gave of herself without hesitation. She was also a loyal and hardworking member of the NAACP. The Calvary Family along with the Spokane Community will miss Berder and her loyal service. We all were blessed to have her as a member of Calvary Baptist Church and the Community.

Berder will be missed and leaves to cherish fond memories and forever live in the hearts of her devoted son, Bertoni; sisters-in-law, Florence Jones (Aurora, CO), Emma Jones (Concord, CA; one niece Amy Lewis (Concord, CA); one nephew, Glen Sankey (Maryville, TN) and a host of devoted friends and acquaintances.

Berder was happily greeted at the Pearly Gates by: her loving parents, John Henry, and Naomi Mason; her sister Ester Shafer; ad her bother Isaac Mason. But the greatest reunion was with her love, Bernard Eugene Jones.