Dorothy Lavon Jones

On Tuesday afternoon July 26, 2016, a heavenly host of Angels entered the home of Dorothy Lavon Jones Holland to escort her from this earthly realm and place her in the arms of her Lord and Savior. Dorothy Lavon (better known as “Momma”) was born on February 18, 1936 in Seminole, Oklahoma to Pastor Lonnie and Rosie Reed who preceded her in death. She was raised in Seminole and moved with her family to Eloy, AZ where her father pastored and worked in the cotton fields. Her husband Edward would tease her every time the family traveled through Eloy, saying that each time they did, he noticed her hands would draw up as if she were picking cotton. She attended both primary and secondary education in Eloy and graduated from Santa Cruz Valley High School in 1954. She went on to further her education by pursuing a degree in nursing and graduated in 1982 from Pima Community College with her Bachelors in Nursing. She was employed at St. Joseph’s Hospital as a dedicated and well-respected Registered Nurse for 24 years, and due to unexpected health problems, took an early retirement.

Dorothy accepted Christ at a very young age and was deeply involved in the church. Her relationship with God grew to a deeper level as God orchestrated a divine appointment in Misawa, Japan, an appointment where her neighbor and spiritual mentor, Barbara Simpson ignited a fire and a passion in her heart to witness and share the love of Christ to a dying world. Dorothy is best remembered for her gift of witnessing the Good News, teaching the word, her weekly bible studies and walking beside her mentees, helping them to build a strong spiritual foundation. She was a dedicated member and was involved in Christian Education at her former churches. At the time of her passing, she was a member of Shining Light Baptist Church under the Pastorate of Gregory Dawson.

She is also remembered for her tireless work ethic, and going above and beyond the call of duty for family and friends. Dorothy’s home was always full of life; it was the place to be, especially for Sunday dinners comprised of a mouth-watering soul food spread, and an open door to all. She made the absolute best-fried chicken, chili beans, hot water cornbread and pot roast on the face of the earth. She was the neighborhood mom and the favorite Auntie. She loved her children and grand- children, they were the light of her life. She was a tough competitor who loved to get on the ground and show off her skills in Jacks, she played hopscotch, double- dutch, hide and seek, and her favorite, “TAG, GOT YA!” She always sent her grandchildren home in laughter, as she would play tag all the way to the car, making sure she got the last lick! In the event that she lost,, she would call and tag them over the phone yelling, “Got Ya” and hang up! Those poor kids would call her back over and over and she would yell “Got Ya” and hang up before they could say a word. She was also the master prankster, often calling her grandchildren and acting like a super hero or their favorite character, leaving them with smiles and stories that brought joy to their little hearts. Momma Dorothy’s love for people ran deep, she truly was a reflection of God’s love with an uncanny ability to touch your heart and encourage your soul. As such, a countless number of brothers and sisters from all walks of life and nationalities were added to her quill.

Dorothy leaves for us, an established legacy of faith through her three unions of marriage and five children. First union Arthur W. Platt (deceased) Arthur W. Platt (Lina Platt) of Tucson, AZ Renee Kemp (Leroy Kemp) Tucson, AZ Second union Edward M. Jones (deceased) Kotane Gilbert (Felix Gilbert) Parker, CO Wynona Mixon of Tucson, AZ and Edward M. Jones Phoenix, AZ; Third union William Holland (deceased) stepson Jimmy Holland (Khadija Holland) Tucson, AZ. 13 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Her sister, Jean Leath of Akron, Ohio. Her brothers Lonnie Reed, Jessie Reed, Martin Reed, her sisters Jimmy Russell Jo Jones and Annie Porter who have preceded her in death.

Arrangements under the direction of Funeraria Del Angel South Lawn, Tucson, AZ.