Lola Mae Jones

Lola Mae Smith was born on February 25, 1944 in Houston Texas to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Smith Sr. She was the fifth of what would eventually be a family of twelve children. Lola received Christ at an early age and was baptized soon after. She, along with the rest of the family were faithful members of First South Main Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. R.E. Edward's. Lola attended the Berean 7 Day Adventist Private School. It was at this school that she was promoted from the 2nd to the 4th grade because of her academic excellence. She eventually went on to Miller Junior HS and later graduated from Evan E. Worthing H.S. in the class of 1962. While at Worthing she was a member of the volleyball team and also played drums in the band. After high school she attended Texas Southern University. The first of her siblings to attend college. After college Lola became a member of the workforce and was always considered a diligent and dedicated professional. After working a few different jobs Lola was hired at Allstate Insurance company in Bellaire which was a very esteemed position for a Black woman in those days. She had a very successful stint at Allstate and was later hired by the Houston Independent School District as an Administrative Clerk. She eventually focused on attendance and made it her forte. It was very challenging but she embraced the challenge and enjoyed her work. She spent the better part of two decades at HISD. Working mostly at Andrew Carnegie and Louisa May Alcott schools. She loved teaching children and eventually initiated a program that would train young ladies who were interested in the administrative profession. She trained many students often paying them incentives out of her own pocket. Never backing away from a challenge she often had two jobs. For a long time she was the night manager at The Family Thrift store. While working there she inspired and trained many young people. She also saw need in families who shopped there and was always eager to assist anyone no matter what race or nationality. She was truly loved by all. Always a generous champion for the underdog. As an adult Lola joined St. Agnes Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Gene A. Moore. She was a faithful member and served on the usher board and often sang solos with the choir. An avid reader, Lola often bragged about how many times that she had read the Bible from cover to cover. She loved the Lord and always kept him first in her life. In 1983 Lola met and married Harris County Deputy Constable Joe Boone Jones Jr. They were kindred spirits and were married until his death in 2001. In the late 90s she joined Real Life Christian Church under the leadership of Dr. Samuel Massie. She was a faithful member for 26 years and was part of the choir and the Sunday school ministries. She eventually became the Mother of the church and was very active with bible studies. Lola was extremely proud of her three sons, Lawrence Craig Andrus Sr. of Texas City, Texas, Lerrold Christopher Andrus of Houston and Leronne Chaunte Charles of Humble, Tx. From her 3 sons she was born 4 grand children, From Lawrence Craig (Cassandra)- Lawrence Craig Andrus Jr. And Langston Charles Andrus both of Atlanta, GA. From Lerrold Chris (Timpie) - Aleshia Thomas-Andrus also of Houston. From Leronne (Veronica)- Brandon L. Charles of Humble. In addition she was blessed with two great grandchildren Lance Cassius Andrus of Atlanta via Lawrence C. Andrus Jr.(Alexis) and Jonathon Couvson of Houston via Aleshia (Zach). Lola leaves to cherish her loving memory, all of her children, grand children and great grands. In addition to 6 sisters, Cornelia Joseph, Barbara Milling and Bonnie Nelson all of Houston, Geraldine Mask, Earline Murray and Carolyn Moore all of Mo. City Texas. One brother, Alexander Smith of Humble. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was proceeded in death by her husband Joe Boone Jones Jr., Her mother and father Mr and Mrs Frank Smith Sr. Her Sister Catherine Woods, 3 brothers, Frank Smith Jr., Jefferson Lee Smith and Willie Joe Smith.

To send a flower arrangement in memory of Lola Mae Jones, please click here to visit our sympathy store.