Lillian Jones

Mother Lillian Jones, age 87, of Ann Arbor, Michigan passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Lillian Diann Jones, affectionately called “Lil” by family members, was born in Newellton, Louisiana, on July 31, 1936. She quietly passed away with her family present, on April 17, 2024, after a lengthy illness at the Ashford Court Senior Living Home in Westland, Michigan. Her parents were Mason Sage Banks, Sr., and Carrie Plummer, both who are deceased at this time. She had one brother, Mason Banks, Jr. Lillian and Mason were extremely close siblings, and raised by their grandparents. From an early age, both children were raised to be independent, proud, self-sufficient, and good, outstanding citizens. They were encouraged daily to get as much education as they possibly could. Both Mason and Lillian attended and graduated from Tensas Rosenwald High School in St. Joseph, Louisiana.

Later, Lillian met and married Richard Jones. They moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where they raised their three children, Sherry Lynn, Reginald Marko, and Gina Rochelle. Lillian and her family joined the Second Baptist Church of Ann Arbor, where she worshipped for more than 50 years! She was very active in the church and participated in many auxiliaries and committees. Working hard to take care of her family, Lillian took on several jobs to help make ends meet, but never forgetting the words of her grandparents; “get as much education as you can.” She went on to get an Associate Degree from Washtenaw Community College (WCC), and Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Eastern Michigan University (EMU). She also had a short internship at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Lillian was later employed at the Washtenaw County Court House, COPE O’Brien Youth Center in Washtenaw County, and she retired from Washtenaw Community College (WCC) as a counselor. She was also involved in numerous women’s civic and social clubs.

Lillian is survived by her Daughters: Sherry Simmons (Westland, MI), Gina Jones-Lewis (Ypsilanti, MI), and Son, Reginald Jones (Atlanta, GA). Granddaughters: Sierra White (Ypsilanti, MI) and Shayla Simmons (Dallas, TX). Grandson: Evan Jones, (Atlanta, GA). Great Grand Kids: Devion White (Ypsilanti, MI), Londyn White (Ypsilanti, MI), and a very, very special friend, HENRY NOLEN of Romulus, MI . Sadly enough, Henry passed away two months ago on February 5, 2024. Lillian’s beloved brother, Mason, passed away December 4, 2020.

An evening of remembrance for Mother Lillian Jones will be held Tuesday, April 30, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 S. 4th Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104. A family hour will occur Wednesday, May 1, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Second Baptist Church, 850 Red Oak Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103. A celebration of Mother Lillian Jones life will occur Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Second Baptist Church, 850 Red Oak Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103.