Joan Elizabeth Andrews-Jones

Mrs. Joan Elizabeth Andrews was born September 20, 1930 in Seyppel, Arkansas to the late Georgia Wilson and Joe Andrews, Sr. She accepted Jesus Christ at an early age. She was a faithful member at Emmanuel Baptist Church for several years before transitioning to New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as a Trustee. She later became a devoted member of the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church until her health started to decline.

Joan received her education in the public schools of Kansas City, Missouri, and later attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri. She worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Menorah Medical Center for fifteen years before transitioning into management at the Kansas City Housing Authority for ten years. In 1980, she worked at the Hyatt Regency as an Engineer until her retirement in 1994.

She was united in marriage to the late William Cowans in 1963, and to this union, one son, Joseph, was born. Joan’s marriage to Mr. Cowans concluded shortly afterwards. In 1969, she married the late Otis Jones, Sr., in which she served as a motherly figure to seven children. She was very fond of kids and wanted to increase their quality of life in whatever way possible. As such, she legally adopted two children, LaMont Hubbard and Kevin Jones, at birth.

Joan was highly engaged in the civil rights and the war on poverty movements. In addition to serving as a strong advocate for addressing all types of injustice, she partnered with local officials and politicians to help facilitate positive change within inner city neighborhoods. She was also committed to mentoring at-risk youth within her community. She provided guidance and encouragement to help turnaround their lives, leveraged her home as shelter for many of them and assisted them with employment opportunities.

Joan was also considered a fashionista. Regardless of the event or occasion, she was known for her stylish attire, shoes, coordinating accessories, make-up, nails and hair. This trend continued during her latter years until her health started to fail.

Joan departed this life on Thursday, March 3, 2016 at Lee’s Summit Medical Center. In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Otis Jones, Sr., three brothers, Manzett, Joe Jr. and Sammy Andrews, one sister, Hazel Parker, one son, Otis Jones, Jr., and two grandsons, LaMont Tivis and Otis John Brown.

Her memory will forever be cherished by seven sons, Joseph Jones (Margaret) of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Lamont Hubbard (Marie) of Kansas City, Missouri, Kevin Jones of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Terrance Jones of Kansas City, Missouri, Dewayne Jones of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Quinton Jones and Kirk Jones (Antonia), both of Kansas City, Missouri; two daughters, Myrna and Lula Jones, both of Kansas City, Missouri; six brothers, Sidney Andrews of St. Louis, Missouri, Leo Andrews of Anthonyville, Arkansas, Lamar and Ben Andrews, both of St. Louis, Missouri, Don Andrews (Crecia) of Lee’s Summit, Missouri and Billy Andrews (Julie) of Anthonyville, Arkansas; two sisters, Elaine Weddington of Chicago, Illinois and Billie Coleman-Randolph (Bernard) of St. Louis, Missouri; 28 grandchildren; a host of great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 12, at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri.

Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 12, at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri.

Arrangements under the direction of Mt Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.