Laura Mae (“Jonesy “) Jones

On, October 29, 2023, Laura Mae Jones “Jonesy” (Williams) departed this life peacefully at home in Kentwood, MI.  She graced the world on August 1, 1928 to the late Spurgeon and Sarah Williams in Delo, MS.  

Laura accepted the Lord at an early age.  When her mother passed, Laura moved to Chicago, IL where she was raised by an aunt and uncle on her mother’s side of the family.  Laura graduated from DuSable High School in Chicago, IL.  She returned to Florence, MS after her father remarried and attended Campbell College in Jackson, MS.  She was a school teacher after completing college.  Laura eventually moved to New Buffalo, MI in 1952.  Laura joined New Hope Missionary Baptist church in Michigan City, IN where she remained a faithful church member for over 70 years.  While attending NHMBC, she met and married K.C. Jones on August 1, 1954.  They resided in Michigan City, IN.  

After the marriage dissolved, Laura moved back to New Buffalo where she made her home and raised her family. She worked tirelessly to provide for her household. 

Laura had multiple full-time jobs: Old World Bakery, Gateway Industries both in Michigan City, IN and Plastic Masters in New Buffalo, MI. She worked 8 hour shifts at Gateway and Plastic Masters, 16 hours a day, for decades.  Laura was the Queen of Side Hustle before that terminology was in existence.  She cleaned homes/offices and was an Avon lady for MANY, MANY years.  She also hustled to collect bottles for the dime return deposit.  She was the true definition of a warrior! Laura never failed to lend a helping hand to others in need. She was a very generous personwith a big heart.  

Jonesy loved to drive and took numerous road trips with her kids in tow traveling to and from Mississippi and Chicago to visit family.  She never used a map.  Jonesy relied on verbal directions, road signs and landmarks to get her to her destinations.  She would drive straight through no matter how long the trip.  Laura was an excellent cook often making meals at the drop of a hat when family visited unexpectedly.  It made her so happy to see loved ones enjoying her food and socializing.  Countless good times.  She had a heart of gold and to those that knew her, she “didn’t play”.  Jonesy was so very strong in many aspects.  She was an excellent role model, provider, teacher and most of all parent.  Laura gave all thanks to The Master…how she referred to God.  

When Laura’s health began to decline, she moved to Kentwood, MI in December 2017 in the care of her two daughters. Once she moved, her praise and worship of The Master continued.  Laura attended New Hope Baptist Church in Grand Rapids, MI where she served on the Senior Mission and Decorating ministries.  

During her time in Grand Rapids, Laura continued enjoying an active social life which included praise and worship every Sunday, church related events, numerous dining experiences, going to the movies, concerts and live theater productions. She lived out her final years in Kentwood until The Master took her home. 

She leaves to cherish her fond memories, daughter Sandra “Twee”Jones, Kentwood, MI; son Stewart W. Jones, Crystal, MN; son Selwyn Jones (Kumi), Japan; daughter Stephanie “Princess”(Wendell) Lee, Grand Rapids, MI; daughter Brenda Cantu, San Antonio, TX.  Grandchildren: Erin (Patrick) Blevins, Nicole/Colee Jones, Jacob Jones, Samantha Jones, Stewart A. Jones, Andrew Jones, Eric Hawkins, Jonathan Hawkins, Niquia (Barry) Davis, Corbin Jones, Lydia Jones, Aijah Jones, Carlie Jones, David Robles, Joshua Robles.  Great grandchildren:  Kingston Key, Enzo Blevins, Sonny Blevins, Mya Davis, Myles Davis, Santiago Robles.  Additionally, she is survived by siblings; Carl (Christine) Williams, Aurora, CO, Thomas (Loretta) Williams, Colorado Springs, CO, Vanessa Williams Wilson, Florence, MS, Gloria Williams Beckett, Richland, MS, Linda (Jessie) Williams Ball, Florence, MS., James Williams, Michigan City, IN; Sisters-In-Love JoAnn Brooks, Little Rock, AR, Janice Williams, Florence, MS and Sister-In-Law, Carol Williams, Michigan City, IN.  

Laura was preceded in death by stepmother Ruby Williams, an infant son, Lloyd Calvin, son Milton “Butch” Jones, grandson Casey Hawkins, brothers Spurgeon Williams Jr., Henry Lee “Red” Williams, Johnny “Baba” Williams, and her faithful, beloved dog, Buddy Jones.  

Special acknowledgment to Minnie Lou Hillman Harper, The Conlin/Miller/McGuire Family, Alma Hunter, Melvin (Juliet) Meriweather, Ruby Reed, Geri Thomas, Virginia Seay, Dennis and Kevin Gooch, “Dr.” Sue, Mary Ann Kendzierski-Zemke, Phyliss Turner, Gloria Lee, Loretta Zipf; Laura’s Grand Rapids, MI family:  Christy Murphy, New Hope Baptist Church, Minnie Forbes, Juanita Forrest, The Sunday Sisters, Andrea Reynolds, Pam Oliver, Geneva and Louis Montgomery, Corey Jefferson, her “Fellas”, Foremost Family, Care Resources and Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital - 4S Floor staff assigned to Laura.  

Laura leaves behind a host of loved ones.  She will be greatly missed!

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