Mrs. Edna Ruth Jones

Mrs. Edna Ruth Jones, affectionately known as “Baby Ruth”, passed away peacefully on Sunday November 10, 2019, surrounded by friends and family at Unity Point Methodist, Peoria, Illinois. Edna was born 02-19-1940 to her adoring parents Alfred and Ora Penn in Jackson, Ms. Edna was educated in Jackson Public Schools, graduating from Jim Hill High School. She went on to Jackson State University graduating with a BS Degree in Language Arts. Later Edna, obtained a MS Degree from Illinois State University graduating with honors. Edna combined her intellect and hard work for a career in education that spanned close to 50 years. She taught in PPS District 150 for 28 years retiring in 1994. She went on to teach GED classes at the Tri-County Urban League, Peoria Branch for an additional 22 years, retiring in 2018. Edna married Charles Jones and to this Union 3 kids were born. Edna was a warm, intelligent, generous and fun-loving person. She had a great sense of humor. She was according to her daughter: “classy and sassy”. She loved reading, shopping, socializing with friends and family, eating out, and most of all traveling! One of her favorite phases was “Let’s Go!”. Her travels were extensive. She took “road trips” throughout each year. She traveled from coast to coast, north and south. Of course her favorite trips were when she went home to Jackson, MS, visiting family, friends and her home church. She was a devoted traveler to family reunions, rarely missing. She loved her family immensely, and looked forward to seeing them near or far. She took tremendous pride in being from a large family. As she was one of the youngest of her siblings, she was loved and cherished by her family. Edna returned that love by staying in contact with family as much as she could. She also had a large circle of friends. Edna was outgoing and loved attending social and civic events with her friends. She was down to earth and “kept it real”. She was well respected in the community and supported many worthy causes. She was a member of NATIONAL Association of University Women (NAUW), Phi Delta Kappa -Bradley Chapter, Illinois Education Association (IEA), National Education Association (NEA), and Illinois Retired Teachers Association. Edna accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of Mt. Galilee Baptist Church, in Jackson, Ms. Upon moving to Peoria, IL in the late 60s, she united with Grace Baptist Church. She was a devoted member serving on many auxiliaries at various times in Grace Baptist Church. Edna was the primary musician early on, dedicating long hours to choir rehearsal, playing, and singing on Sundays. She loved working with the church choir purchasing hundreds of cassettes from music stores to teach her beloved choir members new gospel songs to sing on Sundays. Even after giving up her position as the pianist for the church, she continued serving in the choir in several capacities: choir President, treasurer, and secretary. Edna also found time to serve on the Usher Board, president and vice-president of the Sisterhood, Sunday School Teacher and Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday School, Youth Director, Mission, and Music Director for Central District of Christian Education, Peoria, Illinois. Edna love her beloved “Grace” and church members ever so much. Her religious duty was unmatched. She loved Christ with her whole heart and soul. Edna had a personal relationship with God and she was always willing to let her “Little Light Shine”! Edna leaves to cherish her most precious memories her daughter, Iris “Tenoa” Jones, who lovingly took care of her after her health failed. Her 5 grandkids, Amber Alexander, Darius Alexander, and Adrian Alexander, Brittany and LaTisha Jackson. She also leaves behind 10 great-grandchildren, one brother: David Penn of Terry, Ms., three sisters: Ora Younger of Jackson, Ms. Alta Mae Owens of Indianapolis, IN., and Alma Barnes of Stockton, CA., one Aunt: Ida B Kelly of Jackson, Ms., and a host of relatives, friends, and in- Laws. Edna Ruth will be dearly missed by all her family and friends, but especially by Larry and Wanda Higgins with whom she shared so wonderful adventurous trips, in addition to sharing trips with her cousins Amelia and the late Albert Nickels. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles Jones, a son lost in infancy, her son Reginald Jones, her parents, 3 sisters, and two brothers. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at Grace Baptist Church with a visitation beginning at 9 a.m. Pastor Claude White, Jr. will officiate. Edna will be laid to rest at Swan Lake Memory Gardens. Simons Mortuary is entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com.

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Mrs. Edna Ruth Jones

February 19, 1940 - November 10, 2019