Erla C. Jones

September 8, 1942 – October 19, 2026

Erla May Jones, 84, passed away at her home on October 19, 2026. Born and raised in Waverly, Tennessee, she lived a life filled with faith, family, friendship, and a love for creating and sharing with others.

Erla was preceded in death by her husband, Willard M. Jones; her parents, Wesley and Effie Odessa Cathey; and her siblings, Blake Cathey, Grant Cathey, Peggy Philippi, and her twin sister, Sarah Goins.

She is survived by her children, Stethney Haney, William Clifton, and Cameron Jones; her grandchildren, Christin Miller, Nicole Clifton, Samantha Clifton, Abbie Newhall, and Chelsea Picklesimer; and three great-grandchildren.

Determined and independent, Erla brought care and dedication to the things she did. She worked for AT&T, where she later retired, and was affectionately known as “Mawmaw” by her grandchildren and many others.

A devoted member of Hickory Hills Baptist Church, Erla loved her church family deeply and treasured the fellowship and friendships she found there. She trusted God with everything in her life and was quick to turn to prayer when things became difficult. Her faith sustained her through life’s challenges, and her family finds comfort in knowing she is now resting peacefully with her Savior.

Throughout her life, Erla enjoyed many hobbies and adventures, including participating on bowling and softball teams, camping, fishing, and traveling. She shared her love through cooking, quilting, and decorating cakes for weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions. Her handmade quilts and potholders became cherished gifts for friends and family. Her cooking was enjoyed by everyone, and she won her church’s chili cook-off several years in a row.

Together, Erla and her husband, Willard, affectionately known as “Pawpaw,” created a special haven in Waverly. They purchased property with a one-room cabin and poured their blood, sweat, and tears into restoring and building around it, creating a place where family and friends gathered for countless occasions. One of Erla’s dreams came true there with the addition of a treehouse with a wraparound porch. Their weekends were spent planting flower beds, landscaping, tending to their goats, and enjoying the safe haven they had built together. The cabin became a beloved gathering place, holding precious memories for the many people who shared it with them.

Erla took great pride in her home and yard. Whether mowing the grass, tending her garden, pulling weeds, or tackling mortar work, she could often be found outside, working to have the best-looking home in the neighborhood. She loved growing and canning vegetables, tending flowers, and arranging them. It was in her garden that Erla felt closest to God.

Above all, Erla cherished time with her family and friends. Through shared meals, handmade gifts, church fellowship, and time spent together, she made those around her feel loved. Her faith, determination, and generosity will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to those who cared for Erla at the end of her life: her granddaughter, Nicole; her caregiver, Maritza; and her hospice nurses, Chelsea and Katie. Their compassion, kindness, and dedication gave her the best care she could have asked for and brought comfort to her family. Mawmaw loved each of them deeply, and the family will always be grateful for the love and dignity they showed her.

Visitation will be held at Hermitage Memorial Gardens on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., and on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The funeral service will follow on Friday from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Hermitage Memorial Gardens. Burial will take place immediately afterward at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites anyone who has a quilt or potholder made by Erla to bring it to be displayed during her services. Each piece will be returned at the conclusion of the service. Surrounding her family and friends with the handiwork she so lovingly created and shared would be a tribute she would have loved.