Erna Maud Jones

Obituary

Obituary for Erna Maud Jones

Sunrise: March 20, 1936

Sunset: January 6, 2025

Ms. Erna Maud Jones passed away peacefully at home on Monday, January 6, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA at the age of 88.

Erna is survived by her son, Dwight Jones Sr. (and wife, Africa); siblings Pearletta Watson, of Patterson, New Jersey, Trevor Patrick Jones (and wife, Selena), of Willingboro, New Jersey, Hugh Baldwin Jones of Toronto, Canada, Norman Washington Jones of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Pauline E. Johnson of East Orange, New Jersey, and Vernon S. Jones of Saint Catherine, Jamaica. Erna has 4 grandchildren, Alex Cromartie (and wife Ashley), Diamoni Jones (and mother Sunni), Zion Jones, and Dwight Jones Jr., 3 great-grandchildren, a special cousin Ionie “Cherry” Lecky, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. She is preceded in death by a sister, Gwedolyn Patterson of Jamaica,

Erna was born on March 20, 1936 in Saint Mary’s Parrish, Jamaica to Kenneth George Jones and Lilleth Rosita Jones. She graduated from Hampstead School studying stenography in Jamaica and went on to pursue a certificate in the nursing field after moving to the United States  in 1967. Erna began working as an Aupair for a family where she realized her gift of nurturing and caring for others. She soon thereafter began working at Bryn Mawr Hospital where she spent her time tending to the needs of others in their most vulnerable states, before retiring after 31 years. She was a beloved colleague and spoken highly of by all who knew her. She carried special memories of her time and work there and often told stories of some of the people she met and experiences she had as an immigrant working in the U.S.

Those who know her remember her to be generous with her time and money, encouraging, interested in conversing about new things, especially politics, and someone who never met a stranger. She often talked to the person in line, standing at the bus stop, or in Dwight’s barbershop because she loved people and was fascinated by connecting with others.

Erna was passionate about fashion and all things beauty. She was very fancy and loved to look her best. You could often find her painting her nails on a Sunday evening, using her signature heart shape on her ring finger. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, interior decorating and gardening. Early on she designed and sewed her own clothes, which she was extremely proud of and very good at. Her home was filled with beautiful hand crafted items, plants and flowers inside and out. She worked diligently with her hands, but also enjoyed DANCING. She was the life of the party, whatever party there was. All she needed was a little “MUSIC”! She enjoyed all kinds of music and played various genres throughout her life. Although she never played herself, she encouraged Dwight and her grandchildren to learn to play the piano.

She was an active member of Wynnefield Presbyterian Church for many years, serving on the choir, usher board, and any other way she could. She also attended Antioch of Calvary Church and Risen Hope Church with her family. Later in life, she remained committed to being a disciple by watching sermons from home to maintain her connection and faithfulness.

The funeral is scheduled for Monday, January 13, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Laurel Hill Cemetery, viewing from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Condolences can be sent to Dwight Jones, 5218 W. Diamond St. Philadelphia, PA 19131.