Ressie Mae Jones

Ressie Mae Jones was born July 18,1924 in Byhalia, Mississippi. Her parents, Edna Akins and Joseph Matthews, as well as her four siblings, Johnson Matthews, John Matthews, Joseph Matthews and Maude Gordon, all preceded her in death.

On August 20,1942 in Byhalia, Mississippi, Ressie married the love of her life, Lawrence Jones, Sr., affectionately known as “Sam,” her husband of 68 years, who also preceded her in death. A mere two months after uniting, Sam was drafted into the Army and left Ressie to serve in World War II. Upon his return in January 1946, the couple immediately starting working on their family, and to their union six children were born. 

Ressie acknowledged Christ as her personal savior at an early age at Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church in Byhalia, Mississippi. After the couple migrated to Detroit, the family found their church home at Greater Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, where Ressie had been a faithful member for over 60 years.

Ressie was a loving, caring woman who was devoted to her family. She also demonstrated incredible strength and courage in 1957, when her husband’s job at Chrysler Corporation transferred him to Indianapolis, Indiana.  During the 19 years that Sam worked in Indiana, Ressie cared for the six children alone, since Sam only returned home every other weekend.  Ressie proved her resilience over those 19 years. She kept those boys in check and she protected her precious daughter. She showered her children with love, but she also instilled in them strong Christian values and a strong work ethic.  All of her children are successful, hardworking individuals as a result of Ressie’s tremendous influence.  

Ressie departed this life on July 30, 2019, but she lived a long life and was able to share in the lives of her six children, Jesse Maurice, Karl Anthony (Sandre’), Melvin Lamont, Lowell Kerwin, Lawrence Jr. (Dawn) and her only special girl, Michelle Delynn; her fourteen grandchildren, Dedrick, Roderick, Andre´(deceased), Anthony, Kameeca, Johnny, LaMonika, Brandon, Chantel, Morgan, Che, Mikerik, Jyen-ai and Drake; and, her ten great-grandchildren, Chayil, KaiLaunei, Jalen, Katelyn, Makayla, Bria, Gabrielle, Phoenix, Addison, and Jaden.  Ressie also leaves a host of other family and friends who will miss her dearly.

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