Maria Jones

Maria Burks Ware Jones, age 78, peacefully departed this life on September 23, 2024, at 3:31 AM, surrounded by her loving family in the comfort of her home. Born on January 8, 1946, in Osceola, Arkansas, she was the cherished daughter of L.A. Burks and Lelia Mae McIntosh Burks.
Maria was a devoted and nurturing presence in the lives of those she loved. She dedicated many years of her career to the Saint Nichols Hotel in Springfield, Illinois, and contributed her talents to the Illinois State Fair. Known for her passion for gardening and cooking, she shared her culinary skills with all who knew her.
A woman of deep faith, Maria was baptized at an early age under the guidance of Reverend Earl Davis. She married Jerry Ware on July 18, 1962, and relocated to Springfield, Illinois, in 1965, where she became an active member of Holy Trinity Church.
Maria is preceded in death by her parents, L.A. and Lelia Mae Burks; her grandson, Jerry Ware III; and her siblings: Reverend Willie Boston Sr., Lonzo Burks, Rapheal Burks, Margaret Cooper, Rachel Myers, and Sandra Washington; cousins, Marine Robertson and Milar Mae Hatchett, as well as her beloved nephew, Kamerion Rice.
She is survived by her six children: Ann Burks, Jerry Ware Jr., Anthony (Kiody Bills) Ware, Malcolm Ware, all of Springfield, Illinois; Lela Johnson of Granite City, Illinois; and William Johnson of Belleville, Illinois. Maria also shared a special companionship with James Stelivan for 34 years. Her legacy lives on through her sisters, Cleo Jefferson, Magalene Daniels, Constance Miller, Pamela Helmer, Brenda Crane, and Wendell Washington; grandchildren, Raenesha Green, Paul Sandefur, Lorenzo Burks Sr., Sierra Davis, Jeremy Davis, Sherika Davis, La'Phonso D. Ellis Jr., Michael Walker; great grandchildren, Durell Wilson, Amari Armstrong, Kaleyia Davis, Zakhia Davis, Leasia Davis, La'Phonso Ellis III, Lorenzo Burks Jr. and her favorite niece, Vernesa Lyn Jefferson. Maria treasured her friendships, including that of her special friend Shady White. Known for her nurturing spirit, she lovingly accepted 40 godchildren into her care.
Maria Burks Ware Jones will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.