Zettie Jones

Who can find a Virtuous Woman?

She Came

Zettie Mae Jones was born July 15, 1936, to Vera and Sam Crum.  She was the ninth of ten children (Herman, Lizzie Mae, Alma, Wilton, Pearlie, Corine, Sam, Amos, Roosevelt).   At the age of 3, her mother died, but God sent a loving and caring stepmother “Mrs. Carrie” (Carrie Beaton Crum) and added seven additional siblings (Oscar, George, Willie James, Comer, Catherine, Edna, Henderson).

As a teenager, Zettie played basketball at Shiloh High School, where she graduated in 1954.  In 1956 she married Earnest Jones, Sr.

She Lived Purposefully 

The heart of her husband trusted her; and she did him good and not evil (Proverbs 31:11-12) and peacefully lived with him for 50 years until his death in 2006. Earnest praised her often for the wonderful job she did with their eight children: Clarence Jones, Judy (Cedric) Jordan, Debbie Jones, Vivian Jones, Curtis (Wilma) Jones, Mary (Robert) Allison, Michael (Lisa) Jones, Donitha (Pete) Griffin. 

Zettie would rise, while it was still yet night, to provide food for her household (Proverbs 31;15). She was known for cooking for her family and stretching what little resources she had to make sure her their needs were met. She was not a lazy woman but full of energy and life.  First thing in the morning she would roll up her sleeves, work, and prepare for day. She was in no hurry to call it quits for the day. Even after a full day of work, she would gather her children around her bed late at night and pray for them and others. 

At the age of 44, Zettie quit her job to care for her precious 20-year-old daughter, Debbie, who became ill. She continued to care for her full-time and faithfully for 7 years while also caring for her husband, seven other children, and grandchildren.

She opened her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue was the law of kindness (Proverbs 31:26).  Zettie taught her family Godly principles: Love God, Love One Another, Treat People with Kindness regardless of how they treat you, Give, even if it’s your last, and God will give back to you, It is better to eat too much than talk too much, Laugh often, Trust God, and Serve God with all your heart.

Zettie laughed often and was known for her quirky sayings as well as her way of making simplicity out of a complex world. She made others laugh and they enjoyed being in her presence.  The joy of the Lord was her strength, and she displayed that joy often.

She Served

Zettie confessed Christ at an early age and joined Ellwood AME Zion Church (aka Ellwood Community Church) where she served until death. Her areas of service varied (missionary, choir, deaconess, etc.,) but she found joy in being a door keeper in the house of God. Many have said her kind words, warm smile and gentle touch at the door encouraged them, lifted their spirit, or became the very reason they joined the church. She loved people and believed kindness was an essential element in life.  

She extended her hands to the poor and reached out her hands to the needy (Proverbs 31:20).  She was known for taking care of others in the community. Preparing food for those who were hungry and driving people in the community to the grocery store or doctor’s appointment and, yes, she drove faithfully until her health began to fail at the young age of 83. 

Others she leaves to cherish her memories: Her brother: Sam Crum, her Sister-in-laws: Idell Bradley and Marjorie Beaton, her grandchildren:Clarence, Jr. (Ebony), Kendrick(Juanita), Robert Latrell, Kachavious, Jessica (Kedric), Shalonda, Kaylin, Calvin, Cameron, Joshua, and Ashlynn, fifteen great and great-great grandchildren, and a host of loving nieces and nephews.

She Returned to Her Heavenly Home

Her last words to her daughter “I’m a fighter and God got me”.  Well, she fought the good fight, she kept the faith and on July 5, 2021, at Brookwood Hospital, she finished the race and knew without any doubt that there was a crown of righteousness in store for her.

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