Obituary for Lovella Jones
Reflections of Lovella Holmes Jones
“A Life’s Journey”
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father, which
is in heaven.
St. Matthew 5:16
A TIME TO LIVE…Lovella Holmes Jones was born on March 1 st , 1925 in Homerville, Georgia to the
parents of Alexander Holmes and Rebecca Holmes.
A resident of Jacksonville, Florida for over 78 years. She attended her early years of school in
Alachua, Florida… graduated from Matthew W. Gilbert with her daughter in 1961…. college to receive
Diplomas for CNA, Cosmology and final as an Elementary School Teacher before retiring. She
married Samuel Jones, Sr. and from that marriage they had 4 children. Lovella was known to all by
the name of MADEAR by all who loved her.
MA ‘Dear success as a mother went beyond that of her own children.. She became a mother to the
motherless, opening her home and heart by giving above and beyond what she had to offer. But
always with love. She became very active in her community and at one school in particular. Sally B.
Mathis Elementary School.
Lovella accepted the Lord at an early age, was baptized, worked and served the Lord at Mt. Olive
A.M.E. Church until her health failed her. She served as a faithful member of Usher Board #2 and the
Order of Eastern Star.
Ma ’Dear gave of herself to many unconditionally. She gave her time with pleasure, pride and without
hesitation.. Regardless of her being tired, sick or in pain she remained true to her spirit and gave
selflessly to anyone in her path,
A TIME TO REST…On Monday January 23, 2023, God surveyed His Heavenly garden and noticed
that there was room for another beautiful flower. He saw one of his faithful servants growing weary
and God said, “Come and Rest”. Lovella (Ma ‘Dear) obeyed and traded her life here on earth for
eternal days in paradise.
Lovella (Ma ‘Dear) leaves an abundance of memories to her family, church and friends to cherish
which include her son, Samuel Jones, Jr(Portland, Oregon) Earnestine (Effie) Sims, Lula B. Brown,
Berlinda G. Robinson, Adopted Mendel Brown, Gloria Roberson, Mary Ann Dunbar; Six
Grandchildren: Tolanna, Rudolph Drewery, Roderick Drewery, Tymeka Brown, Charles Robinson,
Jr, Phaylicia Murphy; Nine Great Grandchildren: Davina, Nyisha, Michaun, Lakeisha, Thekia, Kailen,
Chardonnay, Kiera, King James; Fourteen Great, Great, Grands, Alexis, De’Janea, Kingston,
Knighton, Isabelle, Nathaniel, Elijah, Leilani, Liya, Milton, Porsha, Paris, Allaniah, Khaire;
Sister-in-Law: Merlene Holmes and Naomi Griffin, Betty Mango, Carolyn Keys.
She also leaves a host of nephews, nieces and associates to cherish her legacy.
“A Life’s Journey”
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father, which
is in heaven.
St. Matthew 5:16
A TIME TO LIVE…Lovella Holmes Jones was born on March 1 st , 1925 in Homerville, Georgia to the
parents of Alexander Holmes and Rebecca Holmes.
A resident of Jacksonville, Florida for over 78 years. She attended her early years of school in
Alachua, Florida… graduated from Matthew W. Gilbert with her daughter in 1961…. college to receive
Diplomas for CNA, Cosmology and final as an Elementary School Teacher before retiring. She
married Samuel Jones, Sr. and from that marriage they had 4 children. Lovella was known to all by
the name of MADEAR by all who loved her.
MA ‘Dear success as a mother went beyond that of her own children.. She became a mother to the
motherless, opening her home and heart by giving above and beyond what she had to offer. But
always with love. She became very active in her community and at one school in particular. Sally B.
Mathis Elementary School.
Lovella accepted the Lord at an early age, was baptized, worked and served the Lord at Mt. Olive
A.M.E. Church until her health failed her. She served as a faithful member of Usher Board #2 and the
Order of Eastern Star.
Ma ’Dear gave of herself to many unconditionally. She gave her time with pleasure, pride and without
hesitation.. Regardless of her being tired, sick or in pain she remained true to her spirit and gave
selflessly to anyone in her path,
A TIME TO REST…On Monday January 23, 2023, God surveyed His Heavenly garden and noticed
that there was room for another beautiful flower. He saw one of his faithful servants growing weary
and God said, “Come and Rest”. Lovella (Ma ‘Dear) obeyed and traded her life here on earth for
eternal days in paradise.
Lovella (Ma ‘Dear) leaves an abundance of memories to her family, church and friends to cherish
which include her son, Samuel Jones, Jr(Portland, Oregon) Earnestine (Effie) Sims, Lula B. Brown,
Berlinda G. Robinson, Adopted Mendel Brown, Gloria Roberson, Mary Ann Dunbar; Six
Grandchildren: Tolanna, Rudolph Drewery, Roderick Drewery, Tymeka Brown, Charles Robinson,
Jr, Phaylicia Murphy; Nine Great Grandchildren: Davina, Nyisha, Michaun, Lakeisha, Thekia, Kailen,
Chardonnay, Kiera, King James; Fourteen Great, Great, Grands, Alexis, De’Janea, Kingston,
Knighton, Isabelle, Nathaniel, Elijah, Leilani, Liya, Milton, Porsha, Paris, Allaniah, Khaire;
Sister-in-Law: Merlene Holmes and Naomi Griffin, Betty Mango, Carolyn Keys.
She also leaves a host of nephews, nieces and associates to cherish her legacy.