A Century of Love: Celebrating Ms. Earnestine Jones at 100
A portrait of Ms. Earnestine Jones. Photo courtesy Vedia Jones
By Gloria Zuurveen, Editor-in-Chief
What a magnificent day it was when the Jones family gathered in Senatobia, Mississippi to celebrate the 100th birthday of Ms. Earnestine Jones. Though I couldn’t be there in person, my heart and spirit rejoiced with them, because Ms. Earnestine’s influence has been part of my life since childhood.
Many years ago, I wrote in PACE NEWS an article titled “Thank God for the Joneses”—long before computers made it easy to keep records. In that piece, I shared how Ms. Earnestine, her mother Mama Laura, and Aunt T built a legacy of faith, discipline, and unconditional love that has shaped generations.
Raised in a modest shotgun house with three rooms and an outdoor toilet, the Jones family—ten children plus Doris’ daughter Tish—proved that togetherness and faith could overcome any lack. From that humble home, they emerged as a powerful example of unity and success, guided by women of wisdom and strength.
(Standing l-r) Vedia Brunt, Connie Jones, Sue Jones, Doris Jones, Kay Jone, Pat Jones. (l-r front row) Malcolm Jones, Renae Newsom and Chris Jones.
Family members of Ms. Earnestine Jones who recently turned 100 years old with a grand celebration in Senatobia, Mississippi. Photo courtesy Vedia Jones.
For me, Ms. Earnestine was more than a neighbor—she was like a second mother. When I graduated high school, she gave me my first “store-bought” gift: a pair of little girl’s size 6 pajamas from the old Bargain Center in downtown Senatobia. They fit me perfectly, and I treasured them so much that I wore them well into adulthood. That simple gift carried her spirit of care and encouragement and left an impression on me that still shines today.
Her legacy lives on through her children—Doris, who has passed on, Pat, Nell, Connie, Vedia, Renae, Malcolm, Sue, Chris, Kaye, and Tish—who each grew into successful adults, carrying forward the values they were taught in that little shotgun house. Today, generations of Jones descendants honor her not only with this 100th birthday celebration but also with the annual Legacy 5K Run, which grows stronger every year.
Ms. Earnestine Jones is living proof that family is the foundation of a credible legacy. She has shown us that no matter where you’re born, the star within you can shine when guided by love, faith, and discipline.
With deep gratitude and joy, I say: Happy 100th Birthday, Ms. Earnestine. Thank you for your wisdom, your strength, and your enduring legacy.
Happy 100th Birthday Ms. Earnestine Jones!
Thanks Gloria, for being a bekon of light that shine to uplift others. This is a great article to celebrate our mom.