Otelia Estella Goode Jones

Otelia Estella Goode Jones, affectionately known as ''OT'' or ''Teetie'' was a gift from God born on August 2, 1933 I Brunswick County, Virginia to Rhoda Belle and Paul Goode. After a lengthy illness and well fought battle with her first born Theresa Jones as her faithful caretaker, she departed this life on Monday, April 25, 2016 Otelia moved to Baltimore, Maryland was educated in the Baltimore City Public Schools. She met the handsome and dapper Mack Jones in Turner Station and it was love at first sight. So much in fact, they married at seventeen and fifteen years old in 1949 and from this union were born three children, Theresa, Mack, Jr. (deceased) and Denise. She was a devoted wife and mother, meticulous homemaker, down home cook and baker of scrumptious cakes and pies. Visitors to their home always left with a love token; a plate of food, dessert, vegetables from Mack's garden and/ of jar of homemade wine; they were always givers. Of all Otelia's accomplishments, the most significant was the molding, shaping and guiding via child care of forty-nine young individuals into God fearing and productive members of society (several ordained ministers). Likewise, she was the inspiring and praying god-mother of Sylvester and Beulah Williamson who learned life lessons from her mother wit witnessed the revelation of the "fruit if the spirit" in her presence. Otelia was a hard-working disciple of Saint Matthew from 1947 until her health declined in 2006. Her fifty-nine years of steadfast/dedicated service to the congregation under the leadership of seven Pastors is noteworthy. She served as chairperson of member of Worship, Pastor Parish Relations, United Methodist Women, Missionary Society, Trustee Board, Communion Stewards and several Women's Day Committees. She directed the Harmonettes (children's choir), served as advisor to the Voices of Joy (youth choir) and Methodist Youth Fellowship. When Mack became an usher, her unselfish support of the Senior Usher Board and attendance as the usher anniversaries was note-worthy; she did everything but march. The many other ad hoc committees in which she served are too numerous to mention. Otelia had a gift for providing spiritual guidance to family, friends, neighbors, and strangers--young and old. As a results, of this gifting, she served as Team Leader for the Bereavement and Grief Ministry beginning with the pastorate of Reverend Leslie A. Dyson in 1968. In this position, she professionally and compassionately served members via church protocol as well as comfort and prayer. In addition, she was a Class Leader and an effective prayer warrior. At the age of seventy-three, she became unable to attend services and meetings regularly but she was unwavering in performing her responsibilities. She gratefully served this ministry from the confines of her home until incapable. Blessedly, Reverends Sylvester Gaines (Margaret), Herbert Watson, Jr (Rochelle) and Dred Scott (Katherine) maintained close relationship with her of which she was truly appreciative. Cherishing loving memories of Otelia are Mack, her loving and caring mate of sixty-seven years; adoring and devoted daughters, Theresa Jones and Denise Waters; grandson, Darius, Damien, Donovan Waters; chosen granddaughter Khristie Deville; great grandsons, Darius, Jr., Denim Waters; great-granddaughters, London and Aaryn Waters and chosen great grand-daughter Symone Atkins; six chosen grandchildren, Rusty Gregory, Leroy Dyett, Jr., Matthew and Jaylen Johnson; also Le Ann Dyett Edwards and Felicia Long, who both proceeded her in death; sisters-in-laws, Elizabeth Shelton (James) and Ruth Johnson (Ross); brother-in laws, John and Randolph Jones; special nephew, James Jr. and spouse, Denise Shelton; extraordinary neighbors, Herbert Barnes, Joe and Elen Lon, Dennis and Barbara Claude; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Tributes

Otelia Estella Goode Jones

August 2, 1933 - April 25, 2016