Elaine Jones

Elaine Jones, (Hershman), was born July 13, 1937, in Philadelphia, PA., the eldest daughter of Edward Hershman and Ida (Tobman) Hershman. Born a first generation American from Russia (now the Ukraine), Elaine grew up in a close knit Jewish family.

Elaine graduated from Olney High School in 1955. After graduation she began working at Pennsylvania Hospital as an administrative assistant. This prepared her for work, in both Philly and New York, as assistant to pop stars Frankie Avalon and Fabian, both of whom she referred to as “just boys from the neighborhood”.

Elaine then moved to West Lafayette, IN where she attended Purdue University. She soon returned to Philadelphia, where she worked at the University of Pennsylvania in the College of Art and for several prominent attorneys.

In 1965, after hearing Dr. Martin Luther King speak from offices of the Congress for Racial Equality, (CORE), Elaine felt compelled to volunteered with CORE, becoming very active in the Civil Rights Movement.

While volunteering with CORE, Elaine met Walton Jones. Walt and Elaine were seen as leaders in the movement and examples of racial harmony. Together they participated in demonstrations, marched on picket lines, and hosted leaders of the movement, including Stokley Carmichael (Kwame Ture).

Towards the end of the 1960’s, Elaine moved alone to Northern California, where she and a friend lived in the woods with two cats who slept in her sleeping bag with her. Walton then joined her in California and they all moved into a cabin. Elaine soon became pregnant. Needing a more stable environment for Elaine to give birth, they headed to Vermont and in October 1970, Elaine and Walton welcomed their daughter, Ché Kathleen.

Seeking a place to settle and raise a family, they began a trek to multiple cities and rural locations; including working for, and living alongside, Mohammad Ali at his training camp in Deer Lake, PA.

During this time is when Elaine accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. In 1974, they moved to Reba Place Fellowship, a Christian community in Evanston, IL. While at Reba Place Fellowship, the two were married and spent the next several years being ministered to and growing in their faith.

In 1979, due to Walton’s poor health, the two moved to Tempe, Arizona. Elaine began her career at the College of Fine Arts at Arizona State University, where she enjoyed 25 years until her retirement in 2008. Elaine became an avid fan of ASU Football and the Phoenix Suns. She enjoyed the natural beauty of Arizona, spending time outdoors and as a member of the Desert Botanical Gardens.

Because of her lifelong love of animals, she was a regular supporter of the Arizona Humane Society and the ASPCA. On occasion, Elaine even served as a foster boarder for homeless animals. She loved all animals but had an affinity for dogs and cats.

After retirement she proudly spent over twelve years volunteering at Chandler Regional Medical Center. Among Elaine’s many interest, she enjoyed exercise, (especially yoga). Elaine was always a woman of unique, fashionable style. In her later years, everywhere she went, from the gym to the Starbucks, people knew her for her bright pink hair.

Elaine loved and supported the arts. She could easily be found in an art gallery, a concert hall, a philharmonic, or a theatre for either stage or movies. Elaine loved musicals and made an effort to share this love with her grandsons.

Growing up, Elaine’s father owned a successful music store, which catered to many top acts. In that day Philadelphia was a jazz town. Her uncle worked at the famed Blue Note Jazz Club in Philly and she was able to see performances by icons like Louis Armstrong, George Shearing, and Sarah Vaughn. Elaine would weekly attend local jam sessions which included the likes of Dave Brubeck and Max Roach. These experiences formed a love for music, especially jazz, which Elaine would have her entire life and pass along to her grandsons.

Elaine completed her journey here on Earth, passing peacefully into Jesus’ loving arms on February 21, 2022.

Elaine is survived by her daughter, Che Kathleen (Don) (AZ.); Grandsons, Antonio Garcia (Tina Hoffman); Nicholas Garcia (AZ.); and Jacob Garcia (AZ.); sister, Francine (Hershman) Lipton, (Miami, FL.)

Elaine is preceded in passing by her husband of over twenty years, Walton Jones; Father, Edward Hershman; Mother, Ida (Tobman) Hershman; Niece, Sherry (Lipton) Reynoso

At her request, Elaine will be cremated and laid to rest, alongside her husband, at Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery. Services will be Thursday, March 3rd at 11 a.m., inside the main chapel. Reception to follow, directions will be given after service.