Feb. 12, 1957 — Oct. 20, 2017

Maria Jones, of Cassopolis, a loving wife, mother and grandmother, died Friday evening, Oct. 20, 2017, in the peace and comfort of her family’s presence.

She was born Judith Maria Gardner Feb. 12, 1957, in Detroit, the youngest child of William and Bessie Gardner. She married Edward Franklin Jones Aug. 27, 1977, in Detroit.

Maria pledged her life to the service of others. Taught from an early age, Maria valued the importance of caring for those around her. In addition to her selfless nature, Maria’s faith was strong and those around her could easily feel the presence and warmth of the Lord. Maria learned at her father’s side the dual pleasures of creating a wonderful meal and serving it to others. A native Detroiter, her soul was inspired and fueled by the driving Motown sounds of her youth. Her creativity was constantly on display. Her study of interior design was on display every Christmas season in her home. She could stretch a dollar to make everything from Halloween costumes to the latest fashions. Her style and grace was admired by all and evidenced by her ability to appear as if she had just walked straight off the runway.

Maria championed children’s causes for more than 20 years. She was on the board of directors of Southwestern Michigan College. She served as a beacon for consultation and support in times of need not only for family and friends but for peers as well. To know Maria was to know love, period.

Maria will be greatly missed by family and friends. She leaves to mourn her passing and continue her legacy her husband of 40 years, Edward Jones of Cassopolis; two sons, E.J. (Frankie) Jones of Granger, Indiana, Chad (Michael Taylor) Jones of Washington D.C.; one grandson, Teddy Jones, with a granddaughter on the way; one sister, Cecilia Gardner Cole of Lansing; great aunt, Josephine Taylor of Chicago, Illinois; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Maria was preceded in death by her parents; one sister and brother-in-law, Adolph and Betty Lois Hankins; and one brother, William J. Gardner Jr.

Family and friends will gather from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017, in Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 North Broadway St., Cassopolis. A scripture service will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday evening in the funeral home. Additional visitation will take place from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017, in Saint Ann Catholic Church, 421 North Broadway St., Cassopolis.

Mrs. Jones will be laid to rest in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Cassopolis.

Maria was dedicated to the preservation of history and involved herself in the restoration of the Bonine House. The family prefers contributions be made in Maria’s memory to the Bonine House Restoration, in care of the Underground Railroad Society of Cass County, Post Office Box 124, Vandalia, Michigan 49095 (urscc.org).

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online.