Mary Dell Jones

Mary Dell Jones was born in Idabel, Oklahoma to the union of Edgar Harris and Lillie Comfort. Mary was the oldest of 14 children growing up and often helping to raise six brothers and six sisters. In 1943, Mary moved to California where she attended Palo Verde School and later raised her family. In 1957 she married Ivory Monroe Porchia. To that union was born Brenda, Patricia, Steve, and Ira Junior.

In 1978, she was introduced to George Jones. After a brief courtship, they were married and placed their membership at the Blackstone Church of Christ. George and Mary remained married for 42 years until the passing of George in 2020. Their union resulted in the creation of a large extended family of nine siblings.

During her time on earth Mary worked at the Tulare District Hospital, Motel 6, The Dollar Store, as a foster parent and a homemaker. She will always be remembered for her leadership, toughness, high energy, willingness to help those in need, and her infectious smile.

Mary was proceeded in death by her parents Edgar Harris and Lillie Comfort, her husband George Jones, her daughters Brenda Barnette and Patricia Singleton, and a son Jack Pumphrey. Brothers Mackenzie Bailey, Alex Riley, Gary Riley, Gene Riley, Carmen Riley, and Ricky Riley. Sisters Michelle Riley, Doris Porchia, Martha Loring, Barbara Riley Donnell, Ruby Riley, and Lavette Riley.

Mary leaves to cherish her memory her sister Connie Riley, her children Steve Porchia, Ira Junior Porchia, Loretta Roberson, Mykisha Jones, George Jones, Anthony, Jones, Bernard Jones, her grandchildren she helped to raise as her own Derek Burrell, India Hope, Paul Holly, Brittany Holly Ruiz, and a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Services will be held at Tulare Church of Christ located at 500 N. Blackstone Ave. Tulare, CA on Saturday, July 26, 2025, with a visitation from 10:00 am to 11:00 am following with a church service. Immediately following after a burial service will take place at the North Tulare Public Cemetery.