Ms. Willa Freeman Jones

Willa Freeman Jones was born on June 2, 1941, to Margaret Freeman in Blackwater, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her mother, one daughter, Margaret C. Batsell and one brother, Ray Lea Freeman. Willa received her early education in a one-room schoolhouse in Blackwater, Missouri, and later attended high school in Booneville, Missouri. In 1961, she married Estill Jones, and together they had three daughters: Margaret, Angela, and Tracy. Her husband also preceded her in death. In 1965, the family relocated to Kansas City, Missouri, where Willa began her career at Hallmark Cards. During her time at Hallmark, she earned an associate’s degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Willa advanced through the company and eventually became a consumer/customer affairs representative. Her role allowed her to interact with notable figures such as Oprah Winfrey, B.B. King, Peter Jennings, Carol Burnett and many others. After 30 years of dedicated service, she retired. In retirement, Willa volunteered at St. Joseph Medical Center’s information desk, contributing 1,500 hours of service. She was also an active member of the Les Femme Savantes Investment Club and a member of a community based sorority Gamma Phi Delta. Willa joined Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church in 1985 under the leadership of Rev. Wallace S. Hartsfield, Sr., and remained a faithful member under the current pastorate of Pastor Dr. Wallace S. Hartsfield II. She served on the MMBC Usher Board for more than 30 years and was affiliated with the Sunshine District Association and General Baptist Convention Ushers. Additionally, she was deeply involved in the church’s Mercy Ministry, where she managed inventory to ensure sufficient food was available for those in need. Willa described herself as a “jack of all trades and master of none.”. She took great pleasure in baking cupcakes, and pound cakes, as well as painting, wallpapering, gardening and sewing for her daughters when they were young. Though she humbly believed she never excelled at anything, her efforts consistently turned out beautifully. She cherished quality time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, faithfully supporting them in all their endeavors. She will be deeply loved and profoundly missed by everyone who knew her as a devoted friend and supporter. Willa departed this life on Friday, March 6, 2026 at her home. She leaves to cherish her memory, two daughters, Angela Rainey and Tracy Williams; one brother, Ronald Freeman; four sisters, Adell Bruce, Nellie Sims, Elaine Freeman Miles and Cynthia Grant (Greg); her grandchildren who affectionately called her “Enny”, Jarrod L. Batsell (Maria), Morgan Hernandez ( JFrank), Marcus Williams, and Carson Williams; her great-grandchildren, Elijah Batsell, Caeson Jones and Kendall Jones; and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 12:00pm Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church. Interment Longview Cemetery. Visitation from 11:00am-12:00pm at the church. Services conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website. Services will be livestreamed metrombc.org

Ms. Willa Freeman Jones

June 2, 1941 - March 6, 2026