Cora Mae Jones

Cora “Shug” Jones peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, surrounded by two of her daughters and daughter-in-law. Born on December 26, 1942, in Evergreen, Alabama, to the late Lumas Williams and Priscilla Franklin, Cora was raised in a close-knit community filled with family, faith, and friendship.

Cora was known in her youth for her vibrant spirit. She loved to sing, dance, and play ball, and she carried that same energy throughout her life. She graduated from Conecuh County Training School in 1963. After a brief stay in California, she moved to Mansfield, Ohio, where she married her high school sweetheart and lifelong companion, Robert Lee Jones, Sr.

A dedicated and hardworking woman, Cora was employed as a laborer and retired from Therm-O-Disc in 2009. Her faith was central to her life. She was a devoted member of The New Community Temple COGIC, where she joyfully sang in the choir until her health no longer allowed.

Cora was a proud and enthusiastic supporter of her children and grandchildren’s athletic activities, rarely missing a basketball game or track meet. She was also an avid sports fan herself, faithfully cheering for The Ohio State Buckeyes, the University of Alabama Crimson Tide, Indiana Fever, the Cleveland Browns, Cavaliers, and Guardians. On days when both Ohio State and Alabama played, she proudly wore her custom-made Ohio State/Alabama t-shirt gifted by her son.

In her leisure time, Cora enjoyed working on word search puzzles—often several at once—watching the Game Show Network, following her favorite sports and reality shows, and spending cherished time with family and friends.

Cora was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Lee Jones, Sr.; mother, Priscilla Franklin; father, Lumas Williams; sister, Geneva McCorvey; and brothers, Andrew Franklin, Sr. and William Franklin, Sr.

She leaves to honor her memory three daughters: Linda Johnson (Fredericksburg, VA), Jessie Brooks (Mansfield, OH), and Coretta (Stacy) Pettway (Pickerington, OH); two sons: Robert (Krista) L. Jones, Jr. (Mansfield, OH) and Robert (Darlene) O. Jones (Mansfield, OH); two sisters: Queen Benjamin (NY) and Gwendolyn Hawthorne (AL); one brother: Robert Williams (FL); seventeen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; special daughter Audrey Corbin; God-daughter Marquita Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, and friends who loved her dearly.

Cora’s family fondly remembers her signature expressions and the joy they brought to everyday life. Among her most memorable sayings were:

"Find me some "earbobs" to put on." (referring to earrings)"You go boy." (to her great-grandson, Leeland, when he dances)"Ummm, they gone lose that game." (when there's more than a 10-point difference in a football or basketball game in the third quarter)"I can't eat yet.....I got to bless my food." (as we rushed her to eat while her food was hot)"What time (Alabama, Ohio State, Cavaliers, Guardians, Browns, Indiana Fever) play?" (Mom enjoyed watching most college/professional football, men’s and women’s basketball, and baseball games)"I'm working my puzzle books." (favorite pastime and she always worked on 3-4 at any time)"I'm on the phone/busy......call me back." (never, “I'll call you when I'm done”)"Tevenn, you better get that boy." (speaking about her great-grandson, Prince, as he climbed anything he deemed 'climbable')“Where Jet at?” (that had many meanings…..no matter if Jessie had just left or called)“You look good, but don’t pick up no more weight.” (always said with love and a smile)"You late." (anytime you arrive less than 29 minutes before a scheduled meeting or appointment. If you need to be there at 1:00, according to mom and dad, that meant 12:30)

Cora “Shug” Jones lived a life marked by faith, love, humor, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her legacy will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.