Mary Magdalene Jones

Mary Magdalene Jones, 94, of Chattanooga, passed away Monday, January 27, 2025, in a local health care facility. MaDea, a beloved nickname rooted in the sweet expression "Mother Dear," was a woman of quiet strength and boundless kindness, a living testament to the power of love and the beauty of service. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Robert Jones Sr., a World War II veteran with whom she shared 75 years of marriage, a union so divine, so unshakable, that even in their homegoing, God chose the same date, January 27th, nine years apart for the beloved couple to enter eternity together. What a love story! A love that will echo through the generations, a legacy of devotion that will forever remind us of the power of commitment and the beauty of partnership. She was also preceded by her son, Robert Jones Jr. (K.C.), her daughter, Valencia A. Jones (Mento), and her grandson, Jamar T. Jones (Bro Bro). Though her heart bore the weight of these losses, her spirit remained radiant, her love unwavering, and her faith unbreakable. She spent her early years learning at Chattanooga Avenue School, later contributing her skills at the Knitco factory, and ultimately retired after a fulfilling career as a devoted housekeeper for Douglas Stein family. A lifelong member of New Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church, MaDea dedicated her life to serving the Lord and her community. From the tender age of 12, she walked through the doors of the church and never left, serving faithfully on the Usher Board, the Missionary Committee, and the Kitchen Committee. Her hands were always busy in the work of the Lord whether ushering souls into the sanctuary, preparing meals for the hungry, or offering prayers for the weary. But oh, her kitchen was her sanctuary, her pulpit, her stage. With her little black radio playing gospel music in the background, she would rise early, her hands weaving magic into homemade rolls, bread pudding, and pound cakes nothing short of legendary. She was a culinary artist, a keeper of recipes, and a teacher of traditions. She didn’t just feed the body; she nourished the soul. Her kitchen was a place of laughter, of stories, of love. It was where she taught her children, grandchildren, and countless others the art of cooking, the art of caring, the art of loving. Her home was a haven, her door always open, her heart always ready to embrace. She was a mother to many, not just to the children she left to carry her legacy, four daughters Vernell ‘Vickie’ McClure, Valentina Jones, Clairee (James) Stanley, and Vernetta Jones, and her five sons, Jamal, Anthony, Darrell (Jamesetta), Orlando, and Ricardo ‘Ricky’ Jones, but to every young man and woman who crossed her threshold. She was a grandmother, a great-grandmother, and even a great-great-grandmother, her legacy stretching across four generations like a mighty river, its waters bringing life to all it touched. She also leaves to cherish her memory a sister, Linda Austin of Chattanooga, TN; sister-in-law, Lucille Floyd of Chicago, Illinois and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. MaDea was a peaceful woman who never complained, a queen in her own right, adorned in beautiful suits and crowned with elegant, unique hats. Her passion for fashion was matched only by her passion for people. She had a way of making everyone feel seen, heard, and loved. Her laughter was a melody, her advice as soft as her hug, and her presence a gift. She will lie-in-state on Thursday, February 13, 2025, from 12:30 – 5:00 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will be on Friday, February 14, 2025, at 12:00 noon at New Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church. Burial in Chattanooga National Cemetery.' DIRECTIONS TO LIVE STREAM: 1. Go to Your Facebook Page 2. Type: taylorfuneralhomeofchattanooga 3. Click on 'Like' or Thumbs Up 4. Scroll down to view the service.

Mary Magdalene Jones

March 15, 1930 - January 27, 2025