Dr. Marion Watts Jones (Lansing)

Dr. Marion Watts-Jones, also known as Mother Jones. A respected spiritual leader and interfaith bridge-builder. At the age of 86 years old, passed away at Hospice of Lansing Stoneleigh Residence in peace, beauty and power Friday, January 24, 2025, at approximately 4:26 a.m. She was born on Thursday, July 21, 1938, in Selma Alabama, to Joseph Sr. and Rosa Watts. 

Marion’s heart and compassion, and infectious laughter are legendary. One of Marion's greatest joys came from nurturing her family and extended family. A devoted mother of seven boys and a grandmother of 11, and a great grandmother of 46. She had a special bond with her grandchildren. Marion has many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.  

Marion was an active volunteer for the Detroit Police Department as a Reserve Police Officer, for approximately five years and was a passionate advocate for social justice and change. In the 1970’s, Marion was the President of the Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation in Lansing, Michigan. To continue her passion for justice and change, she testified before congress on behalf of the State of Michigan to bring awareness to the disease and was instrumental with securing funding to raise awareness and support to families. She was featured in the local news and publications for her relentless effort. 

In 2010, Marion graduated from Destiny School of Ministry and earned her PhD in Ministry. With heart set on love, she would always inquire if you were saved and would encourage everyone to have a relationship with God. She was the mother and active member of Tabernacle of David Church until her illness.  

She leaves to cherish her memory her four sons, Reggie Darel Blue-Jones, Alphonso Jones, Quintin Karl Jones, and Anthony Jones; grandchildren, Anthony Adams, Jemar Mason, Tonya (Ben) Dean , Alphonson Jones, Samara Jones, Krista Wright, Stephanie Snider, Thomas Snider, Andre Jones, Eboni Davis, Ceairn Atwood, Elizabeth Martinez, and Danny Martinez; 42 great grandchildren; siblings, Doris Donawa "Boss", Vera (Chris) Morrow, Barbara (Willie) Vaughn, and William Watts all of Lansing, Michigan, Rosetta Jackson and Geneva Etheridge of Birmingham, Alabama and Nathan Watts of Chino Hill, California; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.  

She was preceded in death by her sons, Demetrius, Cornelius and Cedric Jones; beloved grandson, Demetrius Wright; parents, Joseph Sr. and Rosa Watts; stepmother, Ophelia Watts; brothers, Johnathon Watts, James Watts, Wilbur Watts, Joseph Watts, and sister, Juanita Bass.