Annetta was born January 15, 1935 in Zibella, Kreis Rothenburg, Germany (now Niwica, Poland). As a young child during World War II, Annetta and her family endured many hardships and deprivations brought on by the war. She became separated from her mother, brother and sister and was raised by her grandmother on her father’s side until she was 10 years old. In 1945, after the war, she was finally reunited with her mother.
Although quite the mischief maker, Annetta was an excellent student who developed quite a wanderlust. Along the way she taught herself English. She met her husband Earl E. Jones, an Army officer stationed in Germany, in January 1957. They subsequently married and together with their daughter, Carmen, lived in Washington, D.C., from 1964 to 1970.
While living in Washington, Annetta was very active as a volunteer in the D.C. public school system, mentoring and tutoring at risk students in the classrooms while promoting extracurricular community activities for neighborhood children. She received numerous awards and recognition for her service.
In 1970, the family moved to Columbia, Maryland. When the Mall in Columbia opened, she took this as an opportunity to hone not just her shopping skills but also discovered a talent for working in the retail industry. She was a highly sought-after employee, working for Fashion Bug, Learners and A Woman Within. Her passion, however, was managing the Craft Shop in the Oakland Mills Village Center. She herself was a highly skilled crafts person and participated in many craft fairs throughout the region. Her knitting, crocheting and needlework are true works of art.
Annetta’s proudest achievement was obtaining her United States Citizenship in 1979. If anyone asked her where she was from, she would
proudly say, “I’m an American,” though the slightest bit of accent indicated otherwise.
Annetta was known to her husband, Earl, as “ My Neetze,” to her daughter, Carmen, she was “Mama” and to her grandchildren (and great grandchildren) she was “Oma.” She was deeply loved and her spirit will always be with us. Annetta was very “quick witted” and “sharp tongued.” You always knew exactly where she stood on matters of concern. She had an unexpected dry sense of humor that could leave you guessing. She infused our family with German culture and love. She could be “blustery” at times. But, her bark was much louder than her bite. We loved her just the way she was. Her loss is our heartfelt void. We are sad but we know she has found her peace in joining her husband, the most important person in her life.
Annetta is survived by her daughter Carmen Jones-Burke, grandchildren Kayla and Anthon Calix-Hestick, Carena Burke, Kiel and Amber Burke, and Cody Burke and, great-grandchildren Derek, Trianna, MaKaehla, Elisio, Gabriella, Lilah, Nina, Evelynn, Nathaniel, Rowyn and Melina. She is also survived by other family members in Germany and the United States. Annetta was predeceased by her husband Earl E. Jones, parents Paul and Gertrud Bitzer, sister Renate and brother Dieter.
Annetta was a member of New Hope Lutheran Church in Columbia, MD. Viewing is at Witzke Funeral Home 5555 Twin Knolls Rd, from 10 to 11 on January 28, 2022. Interment and private graveside service for family and friends at Crest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Marriottsville will immediately follow .
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.witzkefuneralhomes.com for the JONES family.
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