Odis E (Brown) Jones

Sister Odis Ernestine Brown Jones, the daughter of Eddie E. and Willie McGrew Brown, was born July 13, 1925 in Mt. Sterling, Alabama.  She lived to be 97 years old.

At an early age, she was converted and became a part of the St. John C.M.E. Church family in Mt. Sterling, Alabama.  Later years, she became a part of the Fairview Missionary Baptist Church family.  Committed to her relationship with Christ, she served faithfully as: Deaconess, Sunday school teacher, Choir President, and a member of the Culinary Ministry.

In 1941, Odis Ernestine Brown was united in marriage to Willie Jones.  To this union, five children were born.  She was an ideal wife and mother.  Her earthly honor was in her home.  It was the soundness of her judgment, the wisdom of her council, her sweet temperament, and the tenderness of her heart was very loving.  Only those who really knew her can truly estimate her worth.

She had a love for the community.  She was a member of the Family and Friends Club in Mt. Sterling.  The community of Mt. Sterling crowned her, “Queen”, on Mt. Sterling Day in 2020.

Feeding and visiting others was a part of her being.  She enjoyed cooking, especially baking her famous chocolate cake, sweet potato pies, and fresh apple cake.  She also had a passion for flowers and maintained their blooms during the winter.

Her parents, Eddie E. and Willie McGrew Brown, preceded her in death; also, her husband, Willie Jones, Sr.; her daughter, Ruby Hill; two brothers, Grady and Mervin Brown; four sisters, Mary Julia Ridgeway, Ora Dee Blanks, Maxine McClendon, and Elva Whitman.

She went to be with the Lord on October 6, 2022 at 4 p.m. at Anderson Hospital, Meridian, Mississippi.

Precious memories: four children, Willie (Ernestine) Jones, Fayetteville, GA; Charles Jones, Hampton, GA; Dorothy Anderson, Butler, AL, and Gloria (Rev. Dr. Leonard) Jarvis, Concord, NC; adopted daughter, Deborah Winston, Cleveland, OH; 9 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren; very devoted nieces, Peggy Anderson, Butler, AL; Emma, Jean and Elsie Smith, all of Tuscaloosa, AL; very devoted god-daughter and husband, Remona and Wayne Johnson, Butler, AL; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.