Issuu

Black Woman

I rocked many a cradle with these calloused hands. I soothed your body and eased your mind Before you knew you were alive.

I fed you on the history of you and me and mine. Without words I crooned away the death and breath of agony With a low moaning sound.

I gave you milk of kindness and clabber of gall To make you grow Tall and brown and black and sad.

I gave you me in all the shadows of day, Shielded you from their sun Until you were strong enough to live Without my shade.

Yea, I rocked your cradle Gave you my strength, my blood, My voice, cracked with age, My body, bent with age.

What did you give me?

Ruby Jones December 1975

~Acknowledgement ~

We, the family, would like to personally thank each person or group who shared with us during the passing of Mother Ellawee Jones. Your loving acts of kindness have not gone unnoticed. Your calls, visits, messages, prayers and other demonstrations of love and concern were, and are, deeply appreciated.

Family

~Active Pallbearers ~

Mr. Reginald Adair

Mr. Albert Jones

Mr. William Robertson

~Interment ~

Historic Elmwood Cemetery 824 South Dudley Street Memphis, Tennessee 38104

Mr. Nathaniel Currie

Mr. Paul Mitchum

Mr. Frederic Stephens

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything, tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answer. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.

Philippians 4:6, 7

Reflections

Reflections of Life

Ellawee Jones was the second of nine children born, June 7, 1927, to the late Earl and Ira Moore, of Indianola, Mississippi. She confessed her faith in Christ at an early age, was baptized and maintained that faith through trials and tribulations. She was married to Mr. Eugene Jones, which union produced two children. Although she never completed high school, she was well-read and versed in the Bible. She has been an active member at First Baptist Church Lauderdale for more than 60 years where she practiced her faith and studied the Word. She was committed to ensuring that her children acquired the same love of learning that was unfulfilled in her life.

She worked as a maid, housekeeper, cook, but finished her working career as a hotel laundry supervisor. She worked tirelessly until her retirement at the age of 79. After that, she worked at home, cooking and selling cakes, cookies, pies (you name it, she made it). Her constant companion was her crochet hook and yarn to produce the objects which she sold to many people throughout the country. For Christmas, she always crocheted items to be donated to children and local charities.

Her other affiliations include; The Mother’s Board, Sanctuary Choir, Sunday School, Pastor’s Program, Missionary Circle, 20th Century Club, Memphis City Union #1, Tennessee Progressive Baptist Women’s Auxillary, President of the Missionary Society, Kitchen Crew, Tennessee Progressive Council, and the Baptism Committee.

She was preceded in death by five siblings and one grandson, Courtney Stevenson. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Mary Alvania Stevenson of Godfrey, IL and Dr. Ruby J. Jones, Memphis; siblings, Mrs. Ethel Mae Weatherspoon, Gary, IN, Mr. Henry Moore, Alton, IL, and Mrs. Almeta Moore Jones, Lakeland, FL; one granddaughter, Mrs. Keely M. Weiss, Godfrey, IL; great-granddaughter, Kalia K. Weiss, Godfrey, IL; first cousins, Mrs. Alberta Moore Triplett, Memphis, TN; Mary Lee McGrew, Memphis, TN; a host of nieces and nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Prelude..........................................................Mrs. Yvonne Cleveland-Holmes Processional

Scripture Readings: Old & New Testament........................................Reverend Ed Phillips Prayer of Comfort..........................................Reverend Chester Berryhill, Jr.

Song...........................................................................................CeCe Winans

“Don’t Cry for Me”