Marie P. Jones

This is a tribute to the life of Marie Pauline Jones; commonly called 'Marie;' the
third of nine children born, 1932, to the late George H. Ross, Sr. and Marie Butler Ross.
Marie transitioned this life to eternity, in the same manner that characterized her behavior;
working and at her desk on March 6, 2024, at the golden age of 91.
Marie attended Gladstone High School and had various employments until meet-
ing a man named Lonnie J. Jones, whom she eventually married in 1958. Lonnie was a
businessman and entrepreneur who owned a hotel and bar located in Pittsburgh, Pa. How-
ever, Marie proved to be a better entrepreneur; taking over the business after Lonnie's
death and kept it going for the next thirty years. In 1992, Marie renewed her membership
to Mount Rise Baptist Church in Homestead, Pennsylvania.
Even after retiring, Marie didn't stop, she returned to school for training in the
nursing profession and continued her employment. This was captivated soon after, when
she took personal care of her older sister, Sara; even enrolling Sara in a daily therapy
program; arranging the necessary transportation, and awaited with Sara for her morning
van rides. Still, it didn't stop there. Marie remained busy: climbing up ladders to clean out
the house gutters; painting her house; pulling weeds; concreting the walk way; and fighting
away her groundhog friend who paid her regular visits.
I Remember the stories of her nephews about how Aunt Marie gave them the
privilege of pulling weeds on her hillside; which they will never forget
I Remember observing the long rides to Polk State as Marie attempted to break the
sound barrier traveling down the turnpike; only to hear Louise her sister, say "Marie
slow down" to which Marie responded in her authoritative voice, "If you keep
talking, you can sit in the back, and your husband can sit beside me." And of course,
Louise's husband pleaded, "Please be quiet Louise."
I Remember the home gatherings, and how Marie enjoyed cooking and preparing
various dishes and socializing; displaying tremendous grace, respect, and dignity.
I Remember her ability to organize where everything had to be in order
I Remember the Pittsburgh Steeler games and the discussions every game and every
weekend about what quarterback should start
I Remember the annual holidays; especially Christmas and how the house on the hill lit
up Pittsburgh
I Remember how she never forgot the nieces and nephews on birthdays and holidays
I Remember that there was never s task too great nor a problem too small for her to
tackle
I Remember all these things and even many many more; but in the midst and above all
this, most of all, I Remember Marie.
Preceding Marie in death were four sisters and one brother: Sarah Johnson
(Bruce); Gladys Brevard (Leon), Gloria Reaves (Joseph); Mary Baker (Evan); and
George Ross (Delilah).
Marie leaves to cherish her memory, three sisters, Majessa Jatkowski (Leonard),
Linda Ross, and Louise Ross Nunn (William); and a host of nieces, nephews, church
family and friends who will greatly miss her presence.