JONES-MATHIS ~ Mrs. Mary Catherine Jones-Mathis, affectionately called May, entered eternal rest Friday, May 7, 2021, at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside. Her loving husband, sister, son, and daughter were by her side. Mary was born in Bentonia, Mississippi July 26, 1951, to Mr. Floyd Whitfield, Sr. and Mrs. Wilella Hurd (preceded her in death). She was raised, alongside her siblings, by Mr. Henry O. Hurd and Mrs. Marie Hurd, both preceded her in death.
When Mary Catherine came into the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, her heart for all things that pertained to the Kingdom of God, became the driving force for all that she did. Her passion for ministry beyond the four walls of the church, led her to street evangelism, prison ministry, partnerships with homeless shelters, food distribution, daily prayer and intercession with various prayer partners and much, much more. As an ordained Pastor in Mississippi, she served with humility and grace in the local assembly. She touched many lives in fulfilling Matthew 5:16 (KJV), “ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Mary Catherine faithfully served under the leadership of Pastor Roosevelt Barrett and First Lady LaTonya Barrett in Flora, Mississippi until she relocated to Jacksonville, Florida. She joined the Potter’s House International Ministries under the leadership of Bishop Vaughn McLaughlin and First Lady Narlene McLaughlin, where she volunteered in the Food Pantry and the Agricultural Program for as long as the Lord allowed her the strength.
Mary Catherine shared thirty-six years of marriage with McKinley Jones, Jr. before he preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by brothers, Melvin Whitfield, and Floyd Whitfield, Jr. Her memory, encouraging words, and selfless acts will be cherished forever by her loving and devoted husband, Raymond Mathis; devoted children, Marvin Jefferson, Jr. (Doreca) of Memphis, Tennessee and Shenitta Jelks (Mark) of Jackson, Mississippi; twelve beautiful grandchildren who were dear to her heart, Tyneesha Jefferson, DeShawn Vanarsdale, Quinton Vanarsdale, Tierra Nesbitt, Jasmine Collins, Joshua Jefferson, Micah Jefferson, Legacie Jefferson, Noah Jefferson, Mia Burks, Charity Jelks and Ayden Jelks; father, Mr. Floyd Whitfield, Sr. of California; loving brother, Joe Whitfield (Sherrill) of Clinton, Mississippi; sisters-times-two, Carolyn D. Whitfield-Hooks and Brenda Sykes (Douglas), both of California; a host of relatives and friends to celebrate a life well lived.
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” Psalm 34:19 (KJV)
Celebration of Life Service for Mary C. Jones-Mathis will be 10:00 AM, Monday, May 17, 2021 at The Potters House International Ministries, 5119 Normandy Boulevard, Bishop Vaughn Mclaughlin. Family will receive friends Friday at The Soutel Chapel from 5-7 PM. Interment at Jacksonville National Cemetery. Because of the love of her family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Drive, 904.924.9400
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