Lelia Mae Jones Anderson, 80, of Columbus, Georgia, passed away on July 20, 2026. Born on June 5, 1946, in Uniontown, Alabama, Lelia was the seventh of nine children and grew up working alongside her siblings on the family farm. Her childhood was shaped by hard work, deep family bonds, and the values of faith and perseverance that would guide her throughout her life.
After graduating as a member of the National Honor Society from high school in 1965, Lelia began working at the local garment factory in Uniontown. In choosing to work, she made a profound sacrifice: giving up a scholarship to attend the University of Tuskegee so she could help her family. With her earnings, she purchased their first gas stove to relieve her mother from hunting for wood daily — a gesture that reflected her lifelong instinct to step in, step up, and give generously.
Lelia was the first of her siblings to join and be baptized at First Missionary Baptist Church in Uniontown, a spiritual home that remained dear to her. In 1968, she moved to Birmingham to live with her older brother Herman, continuing to build her independence and broaden her horizons before relocating to California. Driving her first car, an MG Midget, across the country from Alabama to California. She lived and worked in Los Angeles at City Hall for one year before relocating to Atlanta in 1972, where she began a distinguished 30‑year career as an administrative assistant for the State of Georgia.
In November 1985, Lelia welcomed her greatest joy, her son and only child Curtis, and in 1986 she moved to Columbus, Georgia, to be closer to family. As a single mother, she balanced her career with raising Curtis, while faithfully returning home to Uniontown once a month to visit her mother Charity, her sister Lillie Mae, and her youngest brother Franklin. She continued this tradition until her mother’s passing in 1999.
In 2000, honoring a final promise to her mother, Lelia undertook her most profound act of love and devotion: becoming the legal guardian and full‑time caregiver to her sister Lillie, who lived with permanent physical and mental disabilities since childhood. Upon retiring from her career in December 2002, Lelia dedicated herself entirely to Lillie’s care until her passing in October 2009. During these years, she also remained a steadfast source of support for Curtis as he completed his college journey.
In her retirement, Lelia discovered a deep passion for sports — especially football. She never missed an NFL Sunday and enthusiastically followed college football, golf, tennis, and NASCAR. She delighted in discussing sports with Curtis and anyone who shared her same enthusiasm.
Following the untimely passing of her sister Leah Kate Jones McGee in 1998, Lelia lovingly stepped in the gap to emotionally support her sister’s daughter, Lisa who was only 18 at the time and for seventeen years traveled to Northern Virginia every summer to spend time with Lisa’s daughters, her great-nieces Leah Madison and EllaRose Chambers.
Lelia was known for her honesty, her outspoken nature, and her unwavering commitment to family and faith. She lived by philosophies that inspired those around her: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” “Nothing beats a failure but a try,” “Things are seldom as bad as they may seem,” and “Always better late than never.” Her words, like her actions, reflected resilience, optimism, and a belief in doing what is right — even when it requires sacrifice.
Lelia’s life was defined by service, loyalty, courage, and love. She leaves behind her son Curtis Anderson of Columbus, GA, her brother Franklin Jones of Uniontown, AL, a special niece Lisa McGee of Springfield, VA, five Nieces, five Nephews, Great-Nieces, Cousins and extended family and all who were touched by her strength, selflessness and generosity. She was predeceased by her parents General Sr. and Charity Jones, brothers Charles Jones, Herman Jones, General Jones Jr.; sisters Clematine Jones, Leah Kate Jones McGee, Claudette Jones Tanniehill, and Lillie Mae Jones.
Memorial Services
9:00 AM CDT — Saturday, August 1, 2026
First Missionary Baptist Church
Uniontown, Alabama
Officiating - Rev. Dr. Anthony Trimble
Burial Services
4:00 PM EDT — Saturday, August 1, 2026
Parkhill Cemetery
Columbus, Georgia
