Mrs. Velzie Elise Jeffries Jones
A celebration of life for Mrs. Velzie Elise Jeffries-Jones, who died November 6, 2020, was held Friday, Nov. 13, at Shady Grove Church Cemetery in Shady Dale.
Elise was born on May 6, 1938 in Irwinton to Preston and Lillian Jeffries. She graduated from Jasper County High School in 1955 as salutatorian, and later, attended Blaine Business College of Atlanta.
In 1957, she married Lee A. Jones, Sr. Without a doubt, Elise was a very genuine person. She started life traveling; she enjoyed playing cards, collecting elephant sculptures, and tending to her beautiful plants. While raising her younger children in Detroit, she baked cookies and made candy for them and neighborhood kids. She was known as “The Candy Lady.”
As “Grandma,” she was a motivator, counselor, sympathizer, and advisor. She was never a “kisser or hugger,” but her love was overwhelming.
Elise shared 31 wonderful years with her love and companion, David A. Hunt. We all loved him as “father” and “grandfather.” She had many friends over the years and one of the most special,” her first cousin and “Buddy,” Betty (Tuggle) Gaither. Their many stories of youthful mischievous escapades were legendary, and they were friends for life.
While she loved and cared for all her grands, great-grands, and great-great-grands, she was proud and honored to have four of her offsprings carry her name: Jasmyn, Chatora, Dekota and Kaleigha “Elise” lives on.
She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, William Thomas “W.T.”, John O’Neil, Alvin Norfleet, and Thurman Wade Jeffries. Also one infant daughter, April Tia and son (stillborn), Robert O’Neil.
Elise is survived by her five children, Colette Renee James, Lee Jones, Jr., Tijuana D. Jones, Tory Jones (Maxine) and Karlos Jones; stepson, David Dean, 16 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Smith and Sons Funeral Home has charge of arrangements, www.smithandsonsfuneralhomemonticelloga.com, 706-468-6625