Mary Elizabeth Jones

His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things.Enter the joy of your master.” Matthew 25:23 Our family circle has been broken with the homegoing of our loved one, who departed this life on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at her home at the Resort of Augsburg. Dr. Mary Elizabeth Jones, affectionately called "Nookie" by her family and friends, lived an extraordinary life filled with faith, family, and music. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, on June 27, 1936, to the late Wiley William Bunn and Jennie Lou Hinton, she was a woman of immense character and dedication, with roots firmly planted in her community. Her early education at Frederick Douglass High School, followed by earning a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Morgan State College, was the foundation of her lifelong love for music and education. Mary’s greatest love was her family. She met the love of her life Retired SGM Lionel Augustine Jones, Sr. (Screwball) at the age of 11 years old attending Fulton Baptist Church and the same public school in Baltimore Maryland. She married Lionel A. Jones, Sr., on April 5, 1959. They were married 50 years until Lionel’s untimely death. From this union, were born five children: Melinee’, Lionel, Raleigh, Wiley and Monique, whom she adored and was immensely proud of. Lionel enlisted in the United States Army in 1956. The family enjoyed manymilitary tours to include France, Washington, Hawaii, New Mexico, Virginia and Alaska. During her years of traveling, Mary continued her passion to serve. She had numerous volunteer hours as an Army Community Service and NCO Wives Club volunteer. Being a wife and mother to five children and volunteering across the globe, she demonstrated a lifetime of giving, nurturing and leading. She instilled the same values in her five children, and they carry this same spirit while serving others. Mary accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age. She was a lifelong educator and an avid follower of Christ. It gave her the prestige honor to be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Sacred Music (D.S.M.) from the Eastern Theological Seminary. Mary’s journey in faith saw her grow as a pillar in the community and at Fulton Baptist Church, serving numerous roles, as a Deaconess, President of the Missionary Auxiliary, and Choir Director. Her passion for singing and her leadership touched lives within and beyond her church. To name a few, she was a member of The Baptist Deaconess Conference of Baltimore and Vicinity and its Auxiliaries, Baptist Christian Education Conference and the United Missionary Convention. Her love for singing and serving radiates through every connection to her church and the organizations she supported. She was a member of the Fulton Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir, Community Concert Choir of Baltimore, and The Hampton University of Minister’s Conference and Choir Directors and Organists Guild Workshop where she served as President of the Executive Board. The dedication she showed to her church and the community speaks volumes of her unwavering faith and commitment to uplift others through music and ministry. Mary’s “Homecoming” may have broken the earthly family circle, but her legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to unite and inspire all who knew her. Her story is a testament to a life well-lived. Mary was predeceased by her husband Ret. SGM Lionel Augustine Jones, Sr, father Wiley William Bunn and mother Annie “Jennie Lou” Hinton. She is survived by her five children Melinee’ D. Cody (Emery), Lionel A. Jones Jr. (LaGaunda), Raleigh D. Jones (Mary), Wiley W. Jones (Kim) and Monique Cephas (James); grandchildren William A. Jones (Jen), Jasmine D. Jones, Matthew E. Cody (Crystal), Gregory A. Cephas (Gevonne), Charles B. Hawkins III, Nathaniel A. Cody, Chirstian M. Cephas, Lionel A. Jones III, and Aaron W. Jones; great grandchildren Jeremiah L. Cody, Michael W. Jones, Chase A. Cephas, Liam K. Battle, Chance C. Cephas, Matthew A. Jones, and Crystal S. Cody; goddaughter Rachel Daniels (Willie); close friends Barbara Laws, Judith Kitz, and Dorothy Richardson; and her loving surrogate daughters, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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Mary Elizabeth Jones

June 27, 1936 - April 19, 2025