Levertia Jones

Levertia Jones, affectionately known as Winky, fell asleep in death on August 23rd, 2024. Levertia was born on June 29th, 1937 in Heidelberg, Mississippi, to Whitney and Charity (Jones) Pierce. Levertia was kind and generous, having made many good friends both young and old. She was the caretaker for her beloved grandmother for many years until her death. She was an avid gardener whose flower garden was admired by anyone who passed by, with friends dropping by to get a flower clipping or some treats from her vegetable garden. She was a great cook and her family looked forward to her Sunday dinners, but a good meal was available any day you stopped by, insisting that she make you a big plate of food, and before you left telling you to cut back some, you might be gaining a little too much weight. She had an infectious sense of humor and we never knew what she was going to say to make us laugh. She loved fashion and could quickly put an outfit together, as she and her buddy Tina Hattan went on many shopping trips together. She also loved fishing and some of her happiest days were when she was getting up at the crack of dawn to meet her fishing buddies, Martha McCallum and Karry and Angie Brass for a day or two of fishing. When she came back and joked that her shoulder was hurting, you knew it was a good day, because it was hurting because she had to reel in so many fish. She also had a very strong work ethic, no job was too big or too small. She passed that same work ethic on to her kids and grandkids as well. After losing her job, one of her grandkids said, I can’t go see her until I find another job, because she’s going to be disappointed and the “you know you need a job” discussion was going to happen. Levertia was a good sister to her siblings, she was the glue that held them together. Her sister Viola would often declare that they were twins even though they didn’t share a birth date, because they were so close and loved each other so much. After losing their mom at a very young age, her youngest sister Lillie said Levertia was the best thing that ever happened to her, because she took care of her like she was her own child. She also cared for her youngest brother Jimmy, with him commenting that her home was always his home, no matter how old he got, if things got tough, he could make the call and she would say come on back home, even sending fare if needed. When her sister Geneva would come for a visit, it was happy days filled with cooking, laughter and family. Levertia could often be heard talking on the phone with her sisters Edwina, Geneva and Lillie who lived out of town. She was especially close to her niece Mary Lee Thompson, whom she loved like a daughter. She married Otha Jones on June 19th, 1957, and during that time six children were born, Charity DeLois (Prince) Myrick, Charles Jones, Doretha Ann (Del) Hubbard, Lisa Jones, Lynette Jones, and Leslie (Marc) Woods. Her children, grandchildren and son in laws were her delight and she shared many special memories with them that they will continue to hold precious, and feel especially blessed to have had her in their lives. Her many grandchildren affectionately called her “Boo” and when the very first ones came along, Mario, Natasha, Kelly, Andrel and Ryan, she was overjoyed, along with the ones that followed. And then the great grandchildren brought a whole new level of joy to her. She often looked after them and they looked out for her until the end, with her great granddaughter Aniyah lovingly caring for her daily. She always gave her kids good advice such as, it’s not how much money you make, it’s what you do with it, and get up, don’t be late for work! And when they wouldn’t listen, she would ask them, do you want to learn the easy way or the hard way? And most importantly, she stressed that they stick close to Jehovah God. She was well loved by her family and was a rare gem to them. Levertia found the truth and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on February 2nd, 1974. It was the highlight of her life. She loved preaching door to door and teaching others about God’s kingdom and made many lifelong friendships. She firmly believed the Bible’s promise of a resurrection to paradise on earth and the prospect of everlasting life. She is preceded in death by her parents, and her siblings, Whitney Pierce Jr., Edwina Pierce, Needham Pierce and Geneva Evans. Levertia leaves to cherish her memory, her sisters, Viola Jones of Joliet, IL and Lillie Jackson of Brooklyn, NY, her brother, Jimmy Pierce of Joliet, her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family, friends and her many spiritual brothers and sisters from the Kingdom Hall. Also survived by her sister in laws, Mary Alice Jones, Gladys Shelby, Mamie Jones, Connie Jones, and brother in law Jimmy Jones.

Levertia Jones

June 29, 1937 - August 23, 2024