Florence L. Jones

FLORENCE LOUISE BARKSDALE JONES, daughter of the late Irene Chandler Barksdale, was born on May 3, 1942 in Baltimore, Maryland. Florence was one of eight children, six have preceded her in death. God called her into eternal rest on June 15th after a week in Hospice at Northwest General Hospital in Randallstown, MD. Florence was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System. Over the years, Florence worked numerous jobs to support her family of seven children, whom she raised along with her late husband, Sylvester C. Jones. She was a hard-working woman with a strong work ethic, subsequently retiring from the University of Maryland Medical Center after more than 30 years of service. Florence accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her savior at an early age. She became a member of the Supreme Council of The House of Jacob Church, which she loved and talked about daily, serving faithfully for many years prior to becoming ill. While there, she was an excellent fundraiser for the church’s local mission (Baltimore and Washington D.C. She was a member of the Angelic Singers and the District Choir, and an Assistant Teacher of Jacob’s Band and Sunday School Class. One of Florence’s most cherished accomplishments was when she Graduated from Bible School. Annually, she would attend her church’s convocations in Ohio, Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and other locations throughout the country. One particular year, Florence traveled to Convocations in the North, South, East, and West of the country. Always a family person, Florence loved to arrange and assist with planning family reunions and other family gatherings; speaking often about the importance of family and the need to keep the family strong. She loved spending time with her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, many of whom she spoiled. Never one to miss an opportunity, she spoke often to her grands and family about the importance of having a relationship with God. In addition, Florence often shared Christ with many of her fellow residents at Stadium Place, where she lived for numerous years after retiring. She particularly enjoyed attending Bible Study sessions with two of her close friends at Stadium Place, Ms. Thelma Lovelace, and Ms. Marie McDonald Florence will be missed by many. She leaves to mourn: three sons, Michael (Shakira) Barksdale, Daniel (Amy) Diggins, Raynard Diggins; two daughters, Marie Diggins and Sylvia Jones; brother, Roland Robertson; sister, Jean Powell; 25 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, and a niece, (Linda Barksdale) who was more like a “sister”; a host of other family members and friends. Two children preceded Florence in death (James A. Diggins and Wanda D. Diggins)

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Florence L. Jones

May 3, 1942 - June 15, 2022