Mrs. Esther LeVon Hill-Jones

The wife of former baseball player Mack Jones, Esther LeVon Buggs Hill-Jones, affectionately known as Von, was born on November 20, 1952, to her parents William Robert Buggs and Mary Evans Buggs. She was the third of four children. She was the only daughter and sister to brothers Charles (deceased) Vincent (Pamela) (Joyce Evans, Derrick Evans), Roserlyn Hutcherson (deceased), Vivian Charlotte (deceased), William Jr. (deceased) (Sylvia) (Sharon Curtis, Carlos Buggs, Akilah Buggs) and Daniel (deceased). At eight years of age, she accepted Christ at Morning Star Baptist Church where she continued to worship and serve dutifully in the finance department. She attended Price High School and expanded her education at Atlanta Area Tech and Georgia State University. Von was a dedicated employee for over thirty years at Bank South, CTG and First Data until her retirement years.

On November 22, 1970, she married Donald Lamar Hill (deceased). Out of that union, her first son, Antonio Deshon Hill was born. Antonio transitioned on May 18, 2015. He leaves his legacy with his children, Asha Hill, Aniya Hill, Chandler Grissom, Chance Grissom and Amar'e Hill.

Finding love again, she married professional baseball player Mack Jones (deceased). This unity included four children; Gayle McDaniel (William) (Marcus Jones, Sanaa McClure), Mack Fletcher Jones (transitioned at birth December 10, 1976), Mike Fletcher Jones (transitioned at birth December 10, 1976) and Rontae Jones (Lakesia) and grandchildren Rontae Jones Jr., Alani Render, Ro'Mya Jones and Rane Jones.

Von's love for Mack knew no bounds. He was her forever love, the one who held her heart completely. Even after his passing 21 years ago, her devotion never wavered. She lived each day carrying his love like a gentle flame-never seeking another, because her soul had already found its home in his.

Von's devotion to her grandchildren was undeniable. She was their biggest cheerleader, attending football, baseball, basketball, volleyball, soccer games, track meets, luncheons, proms, and graduations with pride and excitement. Her love extended beyond the stands-she was there for after-school pickups, always ready with a warm smile, encouraging words and a hot meal. Every Sunday and holiday, she brought the family together around her table, preparing delicious dinners that became cherished traditions. Through these acts of love and presence, Von created lasting memories and a legacy of care that her grandchildren will treasure forever. "Grandmothers hold their grandchildren's hands for a while, but their hearts forever."

Her faith was the thread that held it all together-every act of love a reflection of her devotion to God, whose blessings she shared generously with her family. Her soft voice and cooking will be deeply missed by Rontae, her grandkids, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, her church family and friends.