Edith Mae Jones

Born June 30, 1931 in Florence, South Carolina, the only child of Mary & Roland Hickson. She became a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Florence, South Carolina and baptized at the age of 13. She was also a member of the church choir.

Edith attended the public schools in South Carolina until the family moved to Richmond, Virginia where she attended Maggie L. Walker High School, graduating in 1950.

She married Ossie L. Jones, who preceded her in death. From this marriage were born, Linda and Ossie, Jr. After they were married, Edith and Ossie moved to New York and became members at St. Albans Baptist Church, where Edith sang in the Gospel Choir and helped in the church office.

Edith worked for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for 26 years, where she held the positions of IBM Operator, Research Assistant and Statistician.

Edith attended Pace University in the evenings and graduated with an Associate Degree in Business. Upon her retirement Edith and Ossie moved to Deltona, Florida and joined Greater Union Baptist Church of Deland where she also sang in the Choir. When New Hope Baptist Church was opened in Deltona she attended the first service held there and several others. She felt a calling to become a member of New Hope Baptist Church where she sang in the Choir, volunteered in the food pantry, nursery, book ministry, and served as a greeter.

Edith volunteered for the Human Services Division of Volusia County, where she distributed food to those in need until the program was discontinued.

In all her years singing in the many church choirs, Edith’s favorite hymn was ‘What a Friend We Have in Jesus.

She will be sorely missed by; her children, son, Ossie L. Jones, Jr. and daughter Linda Elizabeth Jones, her grandson Ossie L. Jones, III, niece Kathy Purvis Willis, nephews; John Purvis (Sara), Donald Purvis (Geraldine), Bruce Jones (Mary), niece Judy Jones Rogers. Her special friends Emma Graham, Julia Rogers, Louise Bruten, Brenda Riggins, Ron & Barbara Jenkins, Rev. Isaac & Jackie Sewell, Deacon Calvin & Patricia Wynn, Nancy & Pedro Rivera and many more friends and extended family.