Ms. Effie Mae Jones

Effie Mae Jones was born on May 29, 1925, in Texarkana, Texas to the late Hattie and Arrand Sowells. At an early age, her family moved to Kansas City, Missouri. Later, her mother married John Terry and they joined Mount Vernon Baptist Church under the leadership of the Reverend O.S. Jones. Effie as a child became active in the Church. She joined the Youth Choir and Usher Board. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1945. Effie was blessed with outstanding artistic gifts. Many people study for years to become accomplished artists, but Effie was born with an amazing ability to draw, paint, and create all sorts of wonderful works of art. She thanked God often for these gifts and praised his goodness. Effie received a scholarship award in art and had her oil paintings displayed in some of the largest departments stores in Kansas City, Missouri. She was especially proud of an oil painting she did of Joe Louis, one of the world’s greatest prize fighters, for his birthday. Over the years she had various jobs in Department Stores including overseeing the Gift- wrapping department in Woolf Brothers. When Woolf Brothers discovered she made her own clothes, she also provided assistance to alternations department. The Kansas City Star newspaper acknowledged her fashion flair by publishing a picture of her at one of the City’s major fashion shows. She expanded her artistic gifts to many areas. She printed signs for churches. She also became a seamstress and a milliner making clothes (dresses, shirts, coats, hats, and purses) for her children, other family members, and friends. On August 2, 1947, Effie married the late Willie Jones of Arkadelphia, Arkansas. They celebrated more than 56 years together. To this union four children were born. Cynthia of Kansas City, Missouri; Rosemary of New York, New York; Willie Jr of Los Angeles, California; and Tony of Kansas City, Missouri. Effie was a member of the Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church for over 57 years. She joined the Mission, the Drama Club, the Decorating Committee, and the Mercy Ministry. She was very active in the Host and Hostess Ministry for over 30 years. Effie was also very active in her local community as a Neighborhood District Volunteer Worker. She had a pleasing uplifting personality, a great sense of humor, and cared deeply about other people. It was part of her nature to help others see and appreciate the beautiful qualities they have within themselves. She was an exceptional mother not only to her children but to others who let her into their lives. She was warm, thoughtful, and generous to all. Effie departed this life on Friday, July 5, 2024 at St..Luke's Hospital. Effie leaves to cherish her Home Coming, her four children, two grandchildren, Anthony and Travis; her daughter-in-law, Michele, many dear cousins; and countless others who provided friendships and support throughout her life. Funeral services Saturday, July 20, at 11:00am at Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church. Interment Floral Hills Cemetery. Visitation Saturday 10:00am- 11:00am at the church. Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons. Condolences may be shared on our website.

Ms. Effie Mae Jones

May 29, 1925 - July 5, 2024