Sunrise Sunset

October 18, 1923 April 14, 2016

In Loving Memory

of

Mrs. Margaret Little Jones

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Two O’ Clock in the Afternoon

Beaverdam Baptist Church

1528 Beaverdam Church Road

Enoree, South Carolina

Reverend Dr. Samuel Neely, Presiding

Reverend Dr. O. T. Hill I, Officiating

Life Profile

DEACONESS MARGARET LITTLE JONES

Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will

rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” Revelations 14:13

The poet has declared, Life is a city filled with wandering streets while death is the marketplace where each one meets.”

Deaconess Margaret Little Jones possessed great physical beauty, infinite wisdom, a keen sense of frugality and great love for others. All who

fell under the shadow of her influence are a little richer for having passed her way.

Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Friend. She was a mother and grandmother who did not spare the rod. Her children and grand-

children are testimony of her belief in a firm upbringing in Christian lessons for all. Generations of children point to her with great respect and

love for the kindnesses she showed them over time.

She was the third child born in Gray Court, SC to the late Jim and Helen Little Porter. She was born to a family of seven sisters and one brother.

Mrs. Jones was born in a difficult era of American History, yet she harbored no resentment. Hers was a philosophy of looking toward the future

with great optimism. She taught her children to do the same knowing that only what we do for God will last. She believed her job was to encour-

age her children, grandchildren and the children of her friends and acquaintances to study to show themselves approved. Her dream was for all

of her children to attend college firmly believing that no one can take your education away from you. She encouraged them to believe in God

knowing He would make a way for them. Her pride in what they became was evident. She was always their chief encourager.

She was a meticulous seamstress and admirers were amazed at her skill with a sewing machine. She knew her way around a kitchen and her

homemade pound cakes and peanut butter cookies were legendary. Her special ministry was to provide homemade pound cakes to her friends,

church family, and neighbors who were in bereavement. Many of her young friends were favored with a slice of cake or some cookies. She used

her talents to serve as support staff in the New Bethel High School Dining Hall where the delicious homemade breakfast and lunch meals were

legendary.

Believing our ministry should extend beyond the walls of the church, Mrs. Jones is a former member of the Queen Mary’s Chapter of the Eastern

Stars, Clinton, SC, for over fifty years and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary of Woodruff, SC.

She was a faithful and committed worker to whatever she put her hands to. She served in various capacities in Abney Mills, and Woodruff Ele-

mentary School always brightening the days of her colleagues.

She was a faithful member of the Beaverdam Baptist Church since her early childhood. While there, she served in various capacities President

of the Senior Missionary Ministry where she held membership for over sixty years, Assistant Sunday Church School teacher and then teacher of

the Seniors Sunday School Class, and Vacation Bible School teacher. She was an avid student of the Bible and liked nothing better than to discuss

the lessons of the Bible. Mrs. Jones always encouraged young people to attend church and participate with whatever skills they possessed. She

could always be found giving much needed advice and words of encouragement to all young people. She loved her church family and especially

her pastor. Her belief was that people are basically good, we just have to keep loving them until the good displays itself through their behavior

toward others. She believed that the love God gave to her should be shared with others. She loved to smile, laugh, and tell amazing stories. She

invited all into the lessons of her early upbringing by sharing those stories with them. Deaconess Jones truly cherished her friendships with old

and young alike.

Mrs. Jones was predeceased by her loving husband, the late Bravell Lee Jones, a daughter, the late Margarette Jones McLean, and one son, Lee

Jones Jr.

She leaves to mourn her passing, four sons, Rainey E. Sr. Jones (Betty) of Boiling Springs; Bobby G. Jones (Patricia) of Simpsonville, Porter Jones

(Anne) of Mauldin, and Alfred F. Jones of Woodruff; one daughter, the Reverend Lular Ann Jones of Newark, New Jersey. She is further survived

by a daughter in law, Alsie Jones of San Diego, California, a sister, Gladys Little Pyles, Fountain Inn, SC and 12 grandchildren, Sharon Rena, Ran-

dall Travis, Tony Antwane, Rainey Early Jr., Christopher, Anthony, Trevor, Meghan, Heidi, Darryl Gwen, Tony, and Vanessa, 12 great grandchil-

dren, and two great-great grandchildren, and many other sorrowing nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, church family, and neighbors.

The life of this Woman of Substance has come to its earthly end. She has now moved up to Higher Ground.

We shall miss this wise and kind lady we referred to as Mama, Mama Lee, and Miss Marg.

She has fought the good fight and been a faithful believer. She heard God say, “Well done my good and faithful servant, enter into the joys of

the Lord.”

Order of Service

Presiding, Reverend Dr. Samuel Neely

Prelude

Processional Family and Friends

Hymn Beaverdam Choir

Scripture

Old Testament— Rev. Catherine E. Evans

New Testament – Rev. Catherine E. Evans

Prayer Rev. Deborah Williams

Selection Beaverdam Choir

Tribute Rev. Lular A. Jones, Daughter Ms. Joyce A. Wallace

Acknowledgements Ms. Joyce A. Wallace

Reflection: Sister Irene Jackson, Church member

Sister Maggie Bolden, Friend

Reading of the Obituary Silent

Solo Rev. Deborah Williams

Words of Comfort The Rev. Dr. O.T. Hill I

Closing Prayer Rev. Dr. Samuel Neely

Recessional Family

Committal, Benediction & Interment Beaverdam Baptist Church Cemetery

Enoree, SC

Repass

CROSSING THE BAR—Tennyson

Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me

And may there be no moaning at the bar, When I put out to sea

But such a tide as moving seems asleep, Too full for sound and foam,

When that which drew from out the boundless deep Turns again home

Twilight and evening bell And after that the dark

And may there be no sadness of farewell When I embark

For though out our bourne of Time and Place The flood may bear me far

I hope to see my Pilot face to face

Floral Bearers

Deaconess– Honorary

Nieces

CASKET Bearers

Deacon– Honorary

Nephews, Cousins & Friends

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We, the members of the Jones Family, are deeply grateful to

everyone for their many kind expressions of love and sympathy

shown during our time of bereavement.

May God’s Blessing be upon you and yours

-— THE FAMILY

Arrangements Entrusted to: The W. J. Gist Mortuary

519 Workman Avenue – Woodruff, South Carolina Telephone 476-3411 or 476-6238

Alexander, Casey & Gist Funeral Service

1223 Old Anderson Mill Road – Spartanburg, South Carolina Telephone 574-5464 or 576-8800

www.gistmortuary.com