Essie M. Jones - Geeter

Essie Mae Warthon was born to the union of Haywood Warthon and Martha Young on October 29, 1926 in Altheimer, Arkansas. Essie, the second child and oldest girl, grew up on the family farm with her 5 siblings: Eddie (deceased), Geneva, Johnetta, Haywood Jr. (deceased), and Nathaniel (deceased). She was married to Manuel Jones in 1949 in Little Rock, Arkansas. To that union were born 8 children: Martha, Brigitte, Diana, Manuel, Annette, Nathaniel, Paul, and Mary. In 1959, the family moved to Phoenix, Arizona because of Manuel’s severe respiratory health, so Phoenix became Essie’s home. Manuel preceded her in death in June 1980.

On March 14, 2001, she married Tommy Geeter at the Tonto Street church of Christ in Phoenix, where they both worshiped for many years. Tommy has 4 children: 2 sons, Tom Jr. and Leonard, and 2 daughters, Geneva, Verna Dean.

Essie became a member of the Lord’s church in 1952 in Oakland, California during a gospel meeting held in a tent by Bro. John Henry Clay of Pasadena, California. She was zealous and very passionate about bringing others to Christ; she was instrumental in leading many to obey the Lord by her example and teachings. She was a model of Christianity, a supporter of the church, and her family; she could be counted on to help out and would be called upon at any time to do so. She worked endlessly, sometimes day and night to accomplish whatever task(s) needed to be done.

Essie was a hard worker in all she did, and took to heart everything she decided to undertake. She became known for being a great cook, housekeeper, licensed cosmetologist, and business owner. As a community activist, working in the Phoenix Union High School District and surrounding community, Essie was well known and loved; everyone knew “Ms Jones”. She had the distinguished honor of being named Phoenix 1972 Woman of the Year.

Her oldest son, Manuel, was so inspired by his mother’s cooking, he developed and perfected a barbecue sauce that was later launched in a thriving food service business in 2003 with his son, Marcus, Miss Essie’s BBQ, in Murray, Utah. All of her children have her strong will and entrepreneurial spirit evidenced by their careers and businesses: beauty shop and day spa (Phoenix and Tucson over span of 20 years), health and wellness center (Dallas, Tulsa and Phoenix), commercial carpet cleaning and remodeling (Phoenix area over 20 years), a non-profit organization (community outreach work since 2000), a medical doctor (over 30 years), teacher (over 40 years), airline professional (over 40 years) and law enthusiast, contract paralegal (over 15 years).

Essie was a true matriarch, ruling her single-parent household with a firm but loving hand. Her 8 children were brought up with the strong foundation of Christianity, service to God and living the Christian life, which she exemplified in her daily walk with the Lord. Christ-like principles were instilled in each of them from birth to adulthood and onto to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She also helped families by taking other children into her home to help at times of needs. At one time there were 13 children living together for about 2 years. Her Robinson nieces and nephews of Los Angeles, California held a special place in her heart and were part of her household for a period of time: namely, Robert, Anthony, Elaine, Janice, and Renee.

What best describes Essie: faithful Christian, loving and devoted mother and granny to many who knew her, listener, friend to all, hospitality queen (she gave up her bed so someone visiting or in need could be comfortable). For a number of years, she was a caregiver and provided care in her North Phoenix home to older ill Christians. She took care of her 2 brothers, Nathaniel (May 1988) and Haywood (January 1994), until their demise in January and March 1995.

Essie dedicated her life to Christ, devoting her time and energy to helping others in any and every way possible. She remained faithful and was in regular attendance and involvement with church activities until her health starting declining in 2008 and was restricted greatly starting in 2010.

She was a tough woman by any definition even during her last 5 years of severely declining health, having major health issues of her heart, lungs and kidneys. Essie departed this life suddenly but quietly on Thursday, August 19, 2015. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Though we mourn her passing, we will always cherish many precious memories of her life with us. She is survived by: her husband, Tommy Geeter; her children: Martha Jones of Phoenix, Brigitte Parker of Phoenix, Diana Jones of Phoenix, Manuel Jones of Murray UT, Annette Thomas M.D. of San Jose CA, Nathaniel Jones (Yvette) of New Orleans LA, Paul Jones (Traci) of Paradise Valley, and Mary Garrow of Tucson; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great granddaughter, her namesake, Essie Leihualani Mayberry; 2 sisters: Geneva Warthon of Little Rock AR and Johnetta Robinson of Los Angeles CA; cousins: Nancy Washington of Phoenix, Arizona and James Young of Los Angeles, CA; the Geeter children: Tom Geeter Jr. of Phoenix, Geneva Coley (George) of Los Angeles CA, Verna Dean Roy (Willie) of Los Angeles CA, Leonard Geeter of Los Angeles CA; a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and other relatives all over the country, and many devoted Christian family and friends