Elma Marie accepted Christ as her personal savior as a young child. She attended the local elementary schools and graduated from Kemp High School. She also attended a cosmetology school in Houston and Nursing School, earning her LPN. In 1952, she met and married Charlie Joe Jones. In the cold winter of 1953, the young couple moved to Albion, Michigan with their first child in search of employment opportunities. To this union five children were born.
After settling in Albion, she joined the Bethel Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. Marion H. Wheeler, Sr. Over the years, she was a member of the Nurses, Usher and Choir ministries, helped to organize and plan annual church events (such as Church Anniversary, Women’s Day, etc.), and often served as Mistress of Ceremony, and was announcement clerk. She also made sure that the Jones children attended AND participated in programs for the young people. She was active in the church ministry until her health began to slow her down. In 1974, Elma Marie married Nelson Young. He passed away in 1983. Elma Marie was employed by the Albion Public School, Food Service, for over 30 plus years. She often told her family that she truly enjoyed her job, especially the students and staff. Also, while raising her children, she was active in her children school as a room mother and field trip chaperone. For many years, she served as a Brownie, Camp Fire and Girl Scouts leader, and Den mother for Boy Scouts. She also volunteered in various community organization such as the Mother’s March of Dimes, voter registration drive and worked at the election polls.
She enjoyed working in her yard, reading, listening to music or watching the Food Network programs. She was proud of her Texas heritage and often stated, “Don’t mess with Texas”. If you wanted a quick history lesson or a few general facts, say TEXAS!
Elma Marie is preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Carl, James Willie, Cordis Sr.; her twin sister, Alma Marie; and youngest daughter, Carolyn Jones-Mitchell.
Her memories will be cherished by her surviving children: Cheryl Y. Jones, Denise D. Turner, and Debra J Wray; son, Rev. Derrick D. Jones; two son-in-laws, Michael Mitchell and Larry M. Wray; and sister, Ethel L. Mercer. Grandchildren: Tymecka, Jason (Kokob), Christina (Richard), Geri, Sharita, Michael, Tyler (Sara), Derrick “DJ”, Teri (Elliott) and Victor; Great Grandchildren: Jaden, Caleb, Carlito, Milcah, Adonai, Kayla, Cameron, Maxwell and Zachary, many nieces and nephews across the State of Texas and the USA.
Funeral Service will be Monday, February 11, 2019 at 12:00PM at Bethel Baptist Church, 523 Washington Street, Albion, Michigan 49224 with Family Hour starting at 11:00AM prior to the service with Pastor F. H. Alexander Jr. officiating. Interment to follow at Albion Memory Gardens.
To leave online messages of condolence, please visit www.kevintiddfuneralhome.com
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