Catherine Jones

Catherine Rackley Jones was born on January 12, 1930 in Coolidge, GA to the late Benjamin and Pearlie Rackley. She was the youngest of eight children. She was a graduate of Moultrie High School. Upon graduating, she married John C. Jones, and relocated to Newark, NJ. From this union, they were blessed with five children.

Catherine worked for various companies as a talented seamstress. She enjoyed creating unique designs for her family and friends. She is dearly remembered for her love of fashion, specifically decorative hats, which she often wore positioned to one side. Her love of hats even inspired the theme of her 90th birthday celebration.

If she wasn’t engaged in fashion or the world news, you could find her watching tennis and basketball. She loved sports and excelled in basketball during her youth. Her family vividly remembers her recount of winning a basketball championship when she scored the winning point. She always emphasized how “my teammates picked me up and carried me across the court” in celebration. She was a captivating and comical storyteller.

Her passion for gardening was no secret. In her front yard was a flourishing cherry blossom tree and her backyard was filled with an assortment of flowers and freshly grown vegetables.

She was a member of several senior clubs and the treasurer of a women’s club nicknamed by her children as the “Meet-to-Eat” club.

Catherine’s spirit was warm and kind. She was known for welcoming friends and family to her home, cooking food from the soul, and ensuring they were met with southern hospitality. She loved the Lord and joined Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Newark, NJ. She was a faithful and dedicated member for over 60 years, where she also served on the Usher Board.

She was preceded in death by John C. (husband), John L. (son), and seven siblings. She leaves to cherish the memory of her life, four beloved daughters: Barbara (James), Deborah, Eloise, and Lanette. Living on to celebrate her life and legacy are her grandchildren: Tamara (Sean), Anthony (Kheesa), Angela, Bryan (Andrea), Aleisha, Danielle, Brieanna, and Jasmine; Pearl, her eldest niece, and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Lovingly Submitted,

The Jones Family