Ellen Rita Prout Jones

Homegoing Celebration of

Mother Ellen Rita

Jones

Prout

Honoring Her Life, Labor & Legacy

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.

John 11:25

Sent for Service Service Completed January 6, 1922 – December 19, 2015

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.

Psalms 116:15

Her Legacy And God shall wipe away all the tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away. Revelations 21:4 On Saturday, December 19, 2015 at 1:20 a.m., God saw that she had gotten weary, so He did what He knows best. He came to

Ellen’s bedside and whispered. “Come home, it’s time to rest.”

Ellen Rita Prout was born in Triumph, LA

January 6, 1922 to Alma Williams Prout and Whitney Prout. She was united in holy matrimony to Clifford Jones August 1938. To this union, she became the loving mother of Bernadette A. Avist, Mercedes G. Griffith, Gwen C. Jones, Joycelyn M. Toulouse, Clifford W. Jones, Mary E. Johnson, Lavern Maynor, Shelia A. Jones, Harold R. Jones, Ruthie M. Jones, Bishop Tommy R. Jones, Valarie D. Ragas and Gregory Jones.

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Mother Jones was a dedicated and devoted woman of God. She was baptized at Mt. Olive Baptist Church by the late Rev. Alcide Merrick, August 1961, where she served as usher and deaconess. She later moved her membership to True Vine Baptist Church, where she served as deaconess. Mother Jones was a member of Zion Hill Christian Church at the time of death. She served as deaconess & Mother of the Church under the leadership of Pastor Samuel Crum, Sr., whom she greatly adored. Her life was spent serving as a devoted wife, loving parent and grandparent and dedicated servant of God. In addition to raising her 13 children, she raised 3 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild: Roshonda Emerson, Christy, Quinessa and Shanbriel Williams. She often cared for many of her other grandchildren. She loved reading and quoting the scriptures to her children & grandchildren. Her favorite hymn was ‘Precious Lord’.

She loved and was well loved by many. She enjoyed cooking and eating; she often prepared enough to feed the entire neighborhood. Besides cooking, she enjoyed going on vacation with her family.

She leaves to cherish her memories, 10 children, 3 sons–in-law: John Griffith, Robert Johnson & Orlando Ragas; 4 daughters-in-law: Mercedes, LaVerne, Stephanie and Lisa Jones: 4 sisters-in-law: Joyce Prout, Irma Powell, Bernice Jones & Lois Tate; 3 brothers-in-law: Richard, Alvin & Albert Jones; 2 godchildren: Flora M. Duncan & Beverly T. Williams; 40 grandchildren, 67 great grandchildren & 47 great–greatgrandchildren; a devoted nephew, Minister Bobby (Jeannette) Prout and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, 2 brothers: Marcus & Felton Prout; one sister: Ada Prout; 3 daughters: Mercedes Griffith, Shelia Jones and Ruthie Jones; 3 sons-in-law: Robert Smith Jr., Charlie Toulouse, Jr. and Berrie Maynor; one grandson: Gregory C. Jones; 3 granddaughters: Kennedy Ancar, Shyrion Carey and Shawnee Ballard and 1 godson: Raymond Mackey.

Mother Jones was affectionately known to her many grandchildren, relatives and friends as ‘Old Momma.’

Ellen Rita Prout Jones January 6,

1922 – December 19, 2015

Victory Celebration Zion Hill Christian Church 137 Zion Hill Lane * Boothville, LA 70038 Pastor Samuel Crum, Sr., Officiant Wednesday, December 23, 2015 * 11:00 am “Some people come into our lives, Leave footprints on our hearts, And we are never the same.”

Prelude Processional ………………………………………………………………………………………... Family Devotion …………………………………………………………………………… Bro. Samuel Crum, Jr. Selection …………………………………………………………………………………………….. Choir

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Mistress of Service ……………………………………………………………….. Minister Eleria Mackey Selection ………………………………………………..……………………………………………. Choir Reflection …………………………………………………………………………... Minister Bobby Prout Poem …………………………………………………………………………………….. Sis. Paula Hymes My First Christmas in Heaven Selection ……………………………………………………………………………………………... Choir Condolences from the Church …………………………………………………... Sis. Norma Taylor Smith Expression in Poem ………………… Greater Than a Momma ……………………… Marci K. Williams Written by Rhonda D. Williams Solo ……………………………………………………………………………………... Sis. Nia R. Taylor Reading of Obituary and Acknowledgment ……………………………………….. Sis. Jasmine Williams Solo …………………………………………………………………………………… Sis. Almeda Taylor Eulogy ……………………………………………………………………………….. Pastor Samuel Crum Invitation to Discipleship Words of Comfort ………………………………………………………………………... Guest Ministers (Please limit to two (2) minutes)

Parting View ………………………...…………………………………………………… Funeral Director

Ellen Rita Prout Jones January 6,

1922 – December 19, 2015

Precious Memories

Ellen Rita Prout Jones January 6,

1922 – December 19, 2015

Ellen Rita Prout Jones January 6,

1922 – December 19, 2015

Greater Than A Momma…

Written By: Rhonda Duncan Williams

I struggled to come up with the perfect words.

I don’t know why this was so difficult.

On any other given day, I would have so much to say.

Perhaps it’s because you were more than my Grandmomma, you were OUR “Old Momma.”

Kathleen gave you this name before I was born and for many years you carried it on.

But you weren’t just our “Old Momma” You were everybody’s “Old Momma.”

No matter how near or far, if we mentioned your name they knew who we were.

Always willing to care, always willing to share.

We could call on our own Momma, this is true But once we saw “Old Momma” no one else would do.

You kissed a bunch of bruises, cleaned a many of scrapes.

No one on this earth can take our “Old Momma’s” place.

Holidays were always the best We would gather at your house, “Old Momma’s” nest.

Your house was always full— Doors slamming and children running.

If something got broken you would always look at me first, Thinking I was cunning.

A week before you moved on You gave me a message You gently whispered in my ear, Although I had to wake up to hear You lived on this side for 93 years.

Some may say you fought a good fight.

I remember you saying-Don’t say I’ve fought a good fight.

Life is not a fight.

Life is a journey.

I can not tell you how to explore this journey.

All I ask is that you live an honest life.

My dear children, I will never leave you.

I will forever live in your children and your children’s children.

For our God is eternal and so is my love.

Let me go, Let me be, live the life I ask, and you too shall see.

Ellen Rita Prout Jones January 6,

1922 – December 19, 2015

My First Christmas in Heaven I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below, With tiny lights like Heaven’s stars reflecting the snow.

The sight is so spectacular- please wipe away the tear, For I’m spending Christmas with Jesus this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear, But the sound of music can’t compare with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you the joy their voices bring, For it’s beyond description to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heard, But I am not so far away, we really aren’t apart.

So be happy for me dear ones you know I hold you dear, And be glad I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift from my heavenly home above, I sent you each a memory of my undying love.

After all Love is a gift more precious than pure gold, It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other as my Father said to do, For I can’t count the blessings of Love He has for each of you.

So have a merry Christmas and wipe away that tear, Remember I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I’ve Changed My Address I’ve changed my address to Heaven; I’ve crossed the Great Divide.

I know there’s no sorrow or crying, Because I’ve reached the other side.

I am so happy to be here, For the Lord Himself I see.

I’ve changed my address to Heaven, I bid this world goodbye.

I now live forever with Jesus in my new home in the sky.

I have no burdens or heartaches, And from tears I am now free.

I’ve changed my address to Heaven, I’m safe forever.

For the Lord built a mansion, And my name is on the door.

You can find us walking together, For where He is, I’ll always be.

I’ve changed my address to Heaven, That’s the place you’ll find me.

Ellen Rita Prout Jones January 6,

1922 – December 19, 2015

Pallbearers Joseph Paul Abney Kenneth Ancar Randolph Duncan., Jr. Lance Jones

Mark Anthony Jones Tommy Jones, Jr. Robert Smith, III Marvin Charles Toulouse

Honorary Pallbearers Clifford W. Jones Harold Jones Bishop Tommy R. Jones Gregory Jones Robert Johnson Orlando Ragas

James Barnes Ron Barnes Kerwin Davis Jamar Jones Minister Bobby Prout Joseph W. Smith

Expressions of Gratitude Whatever was your way of saying, “I understand and care………”

It gave us strength and courage to face what God has allowed through prayer.

You were kind to us, your sympathy we’ll never forget.

Please accept our sincere thanks through Him who has never failed us yet.

We, the Family of Ellen Rita Prout Jones, wish to express our appreciation and gratitude to everyone who attended this celebration, gave words of encouragement, cards, calls, prayers and other acts of kindness. May God’s love always shine on each of you.

The Jones Family

Services Fulfilled By : Robinson Family Funeral Home 9611 Highway 23 Belle Chasse, LA 70037

H e r E a r t h ly Resting Place Our Lady of Good Harbor Highway 11 Buras, LA 70041

Repast Buras Auditorium 35619 Highway 11 Buras, LA 70037

Design & Printing by “Our Celebrations of Life” (504) 453-2186 * ourcelebrationsoflife@gmail.com