Mattie Jean Jones

Sunrise - May 25, 1944 ~ Sunset - August 12, 2026

Introduction

Thank you all for being here today to celebrate our wonderful mother, Mattie Jean Jones. If you knew her, you knew that her hands were rarely still, and they were often covered in soil. She had a deep passion for growing flowers, especially lilies. Just like the lilies she tended to so carefully, she brought vibrant beauty, grace, and light into our lives. Our mom truly lived; she didn’t just exist.

Early Life, Athletics, Music, and Dance. Her journey began in Lisbon, Louisiana, where she attended Pineview High School. As a straight-A student in the Class of 1963, she was highly thought of by her principal, T. L. Jones. Mom wasn't just smart; she was also incredibly active, hitting the court as a proud member of the Pineview High Girl's Basketball Team. Music and rhythm were a huge part of her soul. As teenagers, she and her sister Lillie organized their own gospel group, famously known as The Fabulous Nelson Sisters. Under the management of their uncle, Elijah Dawson, they traveled all over the state of Louisiana, to Hot Springs, Arkansas, and to Dallas, sharing their beautiful voices and faith with the world. Beyond her singing, Mom loved to dance and was an absolutely awesome dancer, bringing joy and movement whenever we got together to celebrate her and there was music playing.

A Career of Heart and Service

Later in life, Mom channeled her natural patience and nurturing spirit into her career. She served as a dedicated educational assistant in the Duncanville ISD, holding a paraprofessional position at Reed Middle School. She took immense pride in assisting the resource students, ensuring every child felt supported and valued. Because of her deep kindness, she was dearly loved and appreciated by the entire faculty and staff.

Family, Personality, and Grandchildren

To the rest of the world, Mom could be quiet and reserved around people she didn't know well. But to those of us lucky enough to be in her inner circle—her children, her siblings, and her close friends—she was an absolute character. She was incredibly funny, full of wit, and always ready to make us laugh.

She loved her family deeply and unconditionally. As a mother, she was our rock, but becoming a grandmother brought a whole new level of joy to her life. She absolutely adored her grandchildren, pouring her playful spirit, wisdom, and endless love into each of them. She cherished every laugh, every visit, and every milestone they shared.

She now joins in rest, her late husband, Lester Ree Jones, parents, Z.L. and Janie M. Nelson, and beloved siblings, Tressie Kellum and Jessie Lee Nelson. Her legacy of love and laughter lives on through her children: Kenneth B. Nelson and Alton C. Vickers, Jr. of Red Oak, TX, Marva J. Norsworthy of Cedar Hill, TX, Marilyn J. Ollison of Grand Prairie, TX, Yolanda Jones of Desoto, TX, and Tammie Y. Proctor of Waxahachie, TX. Her beautiful spirit also shines on through her cherished grandchildren: Quiana Robinson, Brandon Blunt, LaDavid B. Taylor, Jr., Destiny Y. Proctor, Ebony Ollison, Mariah Ezell, Jazmin Allen, and a host of great and great-great grandchildren, as well as her surviving siblings: Mildred Kearney of Palmdale, California; Leola Neal of San Diego, California; Lillie Hill of Dallas, Texas, and Z.L. Nelson, Jr. of Dallas, Texas.

A Beautiful Home and Faith

Her love for life was mirrored in her surroundings and in her faith. Mom poured her heart into serving God, her children, her grandchildren, and her plants.

Above all, she loved her church. On August 16, 2015, she united with the Antioch Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Karry Don Wesley. She was a deeply faithful member, actively serving in both the Sisters Ministry and the Senior Saints ministry. She cherished her church community and remained dedicated until her health began to decline in 2021.

Conclusion

Every time we see a blooming lily, hear a beautiful gospel song, or see someone dancing with joy, we will think of her humor, quiet strength, and beautiful soul. She made the world a brighter, prettier place just by being in it. We love you, Mattie Jean, we love you, Mom, and your love will continue to bloom in our hearts forever.