Mary L. Jones

Mary Louise Jones was born on May 23, 1940 in Houston, TX to the union of John Hayes and Essie Ola Gilliam – She was the second child of three children.  She was brought to San Diego as a child and spent her early days growing up in the Dells Drive projects. 
 
She received her early education at Stockton Elementary school in San Diego.  Mary completed her secondary education while attending ARC Development Center where still attended for nearly 50 years. 
 
Growing up Mary attended Calvary Baptist Church, San Diego, CA with her family. Mary was very social.  She loved collecting dolls and spending time with friends and family, but her greatest love was the work and activities she participated in at ARC, a San Diego organization that supports and empowers people with disabilities to their live goals. It was through her participation at ARC that she met her lifelong friend, Patty.  In 1965 Mary met and married her husband Mitchell Jones.  Mary enjoyed the loving companionship of Mitchell for more than 40 years.
 
Mary passed away peacefully on June 24, 2020. She was preceded in death by her Mother, Father and older brother Luther.  Mary leaves behind her a loving younger sister, and lifelong caregiver, LaVerne Perkins of San Diego, surviving Aunties, LaVada Stewart. Mabel Gilliam, Rozelia Gilliam, Maddie Gilliam. 1st cousins, (uncle Luster) Dr. Jannetta Gilliam, (Aunt Dorothy) James Smith, Jr. ,Clytemnestra Whittaker, Ralph Smith, Cleon Smith, Thomasene Smith, & Rev. Gaston Smith; (Brazil) Beverly Gilliam, Babe Evans, Artice Gilliam, & Judith Gilliam-Rolle; (Uncle Lawerence) Leatha Wasington, Lawrence Gilliam, Jr., Sheila Gilliam, & Alicia Faye Gonzalez; (Uncle Cleon) Michael, Cleon, Jr, & Kevin Gilliam. Nieces, Dr. Andrea Hayes Jordan,  Crystal HayesHill, Nephews, Billy Perkins and Luther Kenneth Hayes. And many, many friends whom she would call family at ARC in an Diego.
 

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