Clara Jones

In Loving Memory of

CLARA EASTER JONES

April 16, 1935 – March 23, 2024

Clara was born on April 16, 1935, to Robert and Priscilla Lawrence in Memphis, Tennessee. Tragically, her father died a few months after her birth. At the age of 5 she was adopted by her stepfather, Titus Blade, when her mother remarried. Soon after, Titus moved Clara, her older sister Erma Louise and mother to Blytheville, Arkansas, where she spent her childhood.

There she met Henry Lee Jones, and the two were married on June 19, 1951. In 1953, Henry moved his family to Saginaw, Michigan. That beloved union was blessed with four healthy children: Evelyn Loretta, Henry Lee Jr. “Peter,” David Maurice “DJ” and Anita Louise “Nicki.” Clara was a loving, hands-on PTA mom. She loved to travel. When she discovered cruise vacations, there was no stopping her!

Always a lover of Bible truths, she agreed to study the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses. This resulted in her dedication to serve Jehovah and was baptized on June 18, 1983. Clara loved sharing Bible truths with her family, friends or whoever she would meet in her house-to-house ministry. While in California, she discovered the joy of bus stop witnessing. With a smile on her face, she would say “Let's go and find some warm bodies this morning!” She was a full-time pioneer until the loss of her vision. However, being blind did not dampen her enthusiasm and joy in helping others to see how learning Bible truths could benefit them and make their lives better. Even during her last days, she wanted the hospital staff to know she was one of Jehovah's Witnesses and she didn't want any blood in her treatments.

Clara is predeceased by her mother, father, sister, children David and Anita, and her beloved husband Henry of 70 years. She leaves to mourn her passing her daughter Evelyn (Anthony) Sykes of Alhambra, CA; son Henry L. Jr. of Bay City, MI; 7 grandchildren—Reena Meredith, of Kirkland, WA; Stephanie (Terrance) Stallworth) of Tuscaloosa, AL; Alysia (Esteben) Rios of San Antonio, TX; Sasha (Michael) Wegener) of Bay City, MI; Jesse Davis, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL; William Sykes of Alhambra, CA and Cherelle Jones of Nashville, TN. In addition to her grandchildren, she was also called “Granny” by 8 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren. What a great family legacy, and Clara cherished every one of them! Clara was so proud to be part of the Lawrence Family of Cousins, who never forgot about her, visited her and cheered her up with their loving telephone calls.

Clara had many friends in Michigan and California. A special thank you goes out to Lessie O'Daniels, who has known Clara since high school. Lessie first introduced the Truth to Clara, and continued to be her best friend and fellow sister in their shared faith. The Family also wishes to thank Helen Weems for studying the Bible with Clara, which resulted in Clara being able to see her daughter and grandson become worshippers of Jehovah as well. Clara was especially thankful to Patricia Chantaca who provided her with care and support during her declining years. Clara had fond memories of Maria Jarak, Alhambra, CA, who introduced her to the joy of bus stop witnessing. She never forgot! She loved her friends at the Central Congregation, especially Banks and Emma Morris. She considered them family. She so loved all of her brothers and sisters. Clara's firm hope was to see them all when Revelation 21:5 is fulfilled—when “all things are new.”

Clara's life can be summed up as the Bible said of Job's life at Job 42:16, 17. At 88 years of age, Clara Easter Jones lived a long and satisfying life!