Retha Mae Jones, woman of faith
Retha Mae Jones passed away Friday, Nov. 18, 2022.
She was born in Onley, Va., July 14, 1929, daughter of Viola and Hildred Stevenson, Retha Mae attended the public school system in Accomack County.
Flowers symbolize beauty, fragility and the love of God, yet they also represent the fall of humankind. The beauty of a flower fades and eventually dies. Among the many ways to bloom, God in his infinite wisdom has planted us in his love; let us consider how the Lord has planted Mother Retha Mae Jones.
“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” - Maya Angelou. She later migrated to Delaware. While working the following jobs: school bus driver, Methodist Manor House in Seaford and Sussex County Community Action, Mother embraced the many challenges of life but never forgot what God said in his word in 2 Corinthians 4:8-11: We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.
She was a longtime member of St. John 2nd Baptist Church in Millsboro and later joined Union Baptist Church in Lincoln. She was the pianist and sang in the choir. She also taught African-American history in churches as well as the community. When you are planted in the Lord Jesus you learn to do all things without grumbling or disputing. Being motivated by the love of Jesus not to grumble or complain. (Philippians 2:14)
She married Johnny Jones and they were married for 60 years. From this union were born nine children, of which two, Kathleen Jones Stanley and Calvin L. Jones, preceded them in death. Life situations will cause us to learn how to focus on others. We learn to love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. (Romans 12:10).
She leaves to cherish her memory seven children: Shirley E. Jones, Phyllis M. (Willie L. Savage), Inez G. Davis, Johnny Jones Jr. (Louise), Thelma J. Agostos, Retha M. Isler and Melvin Lee Jones; an adopted son, John Clyde Jones; one sister, Doralene David; 20 grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Mother was a foster parent to Servann Andrews, Isadore Andrews and many others. We celebrate all things that are of God. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. (Matthew 18:20)
A funeral service will be held at noon, Saturday, Nov. 26, at St. John 2nd Baptist Church, 26602 Mt. Joy Road, Millsboro, where friends may call from 10 a.m. to noon for viewing and visitation. Interment will follow in the adjoining church cemetery.
Arrangements provided by Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro.
Electronic condolences via watsonfh.com.
