Lillian Jones

Lillian M. Jones was born the second of 7 children in Brooklyn, NY to the late John Henry and Virginia Hawkins Jones on March 10, 1948. The family eventually moved to Harlem and  she was educated in the NYC public school system. Because of greater opportunities for family life, the family moved from NYC to North Carolina, but the city life was in Lillian as she remained here and moved to Brooklyn.

Lillian had an active childhood, yet it was marred by a car accident when she was quite young which presented her with challenges she would cope with for the remainder of her life. She however, did not let this stop her. As a child Lillian loved to sing and that continued well into adulthood, as she sang with many groups popular here in Brooklyn on the Christian circuit.

Lillian accepted the Lord at Shiloh Baptist Church in Henderson NC at the age of 17 years old, this was the very beginning of her Christian walk.  But it was her growth as a member of the Elim International Fellowship that shaped her life as a Christian.  Here she would be mentored by senior woman such as Mother Moody and Mother Land who helped mature her walk in Christ as she continued to strive towards sanctification, having been justified by her faith.  Lillian truly loved the seniors of the church and when they transitioned to be with the Lord, Lillian did not forget them but spoke of many of them often.

Lillian was a hard working woman and took great pride in keeping her home and surroundings clean, organized, and neat. She was truly unforgettable, she knew how to place her mark on your life.  Lillian was extremely street smart and was determined not be made a fool of; woe to one who made her think or feel that way, for she would defend her honor in no uncertain terms. She gave the air of being very hard and she was no nonsense. She gave her opinion and advice especially if she thought she could help you.  She would give the best she had to help her loved ones. When Lillian found products that helped her and did not cause her problems with her health issues especially her breathing she was quick to share those with you. When she gave her treasured items to you she was showing her purest love.

Lillian was a very loving person who was loved by all in her adopted hometown of Henderson, and her family. Her greatest mark on life is that she motivated and inspired her family, especially after the death of their father. Yet this pales in comparison to the witness of Jesus Christ in the life of her sister. It was her persistent love of the savior shown in her life that convinced her beloved sister to turn to Christ, living a committed, clean, sober and fulfilled life as a servant of the Most High.

The great epitaph of the life of Lillian Jones is her life committed to the welfare of the   senior of the church. This ministry fulfilled her life as she was known as an extremely   giving and loving person. When you met Lillian, she accepted you where you were. She did not judge you but waited to see what you would show her. If you were real with her you got that back. Lillian loved you as you are, faults and all, that did not matter to her. She was the model of unconditional love.

She leaves to mourn and cherish her memory; her sister Virginia Perry and husband Larry, her brother Eric Jones and Ravona; nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and her beloved sister friend Joan Gilbert.

We love and miss you Lillian!!!

Epitaph

When I die
give what’s left of me away
to children
and old men that wait to die.

And if you need to cry,
cry for your brother
walking the street beside you.
And when you need me,
put your arms
around anyone
and give them
what you need to give to me.

I want to leave you something,
something better
than words
or sounds.

Look for me
in the people I’ve known
or loved,
and if you cannot give me away,
at least let me live on your eyes
and not on your mind.

You can love me most
by letting
hands touch hands,
by letting
bodies touch bodies,
and by letting go
of children
that need to be free.

Love doesn’t die,
people do.
So, when all that’s left of me
is love,
give me away.

I’ll see you at home
in the earth

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