Nellie Jones

Nellie Jones was a caring wife and lifelong friend to many. She lived a long and full life, a life devoted to her faith, her family and her friends. She was a hard working and talented lady who devoted herself to her husband and her church. She was a powerful woman of faith, whose service to the Lord lives on today in all who knew her.

Nellie was born in little town that is no longer on the map, in an era so different from our own. It was called Stonica Station, MS. The family Bible gives her the birth date of January 30, 1896. Legal documents however, state that Nellie Brinkley was born on January 30, 1897.

She was the youngest of her mother’s four children, and grew up with a difficult childhood and youth. She was needed to work in the cotton fields beside her mother as soon as she could follow directions. Instead of going to school to earn a formal education, Nellie was outside all day in the fields. It was a hard life for both Nellie and her mother.

Taking charge of her life, Nellie left the fields as a teenager and ran away to Chicago to join an older sister. She learned the skills of cooking, cleaning, and attending laundry. These skills, along with her gracious, friendly demeanor, allowed her to work as a housemaid. Her days were filled with tasks assigned by the white “madam” she worked for, leaving no time for formal education.

At this time in her life, her attention was turned to God for direction and comfort. She joined the Apostolic Pentecostal Church of Morgan Park, Illinois, where the Bishop and his wife took a special interest in Nellie. She began a lifelong love of the Bible, studying scripture until she knew it forward and backward. Nellie was a formidable figure in church. She would walk down the aisle dressed in her best suit and turban ready to worship. Nellie was a “prayer warrior” who never had to worry about what to say or how to say it. The words poured from her like a flowing river.

Nellie soon learned to open her heart to someone else besides her Creator, however.

Almost giving up hope of ever finding someone to love, Nellie was in her late 30s when she met her future husband. Hayward Jones, a veteran and elder of the church, turned his attention toward Nellie. It wasn’t long before the two became husband and wife. Although they had no babies of their own, Hayward loved to “baby” Nellie. Buying pretty clothes, cooking and attending to her needs, were ways that Hayward showed his affection for his wife. Starting their married life in Chicago, they soon realized they wanted a change.

Nellie and Hayward moved from Chicago in the 1940s, purchasing some land in the Allegan area. In 1955, they decided to move to Holland, becoming one of the first black families to settle there. As would be expected, their desire to serve God moved them to look for a place of worship in their new location.

Nellie and Hayward found the Full Gospel All-Nation Pentecostal Church to satisfy their spiritual needs. It became such an important part of their lives that they decided to move into the house next to the couple who established the church; Rev. Leonard and Gladys Stoutemire. Moved by her desire to serve God, Nellie became the “Mother of the Church”. Her reputation as an evangelist grew as she served in this capacity for decades.

When Nellie wasn’t fulfilling her spiritual role, she could be found at home quilting and cooking. Bringing her hard-earned lessons from her childhood, she could create beautiful quilts from worn out garments. Taking a big pot of chicken dumplings and homemade biscuits, she could create a meal. While Nellie and Hayward enjoyed these times together, unfortunately they came to an end.

Hayward died in 1970, leaving behind a grieving wife. Her husband had a way of relating to Nellie that could never be duplicated. He had a way of always settling her down and treated her well which she missed.

After her husband’s death, Nellie continued to live in the house by the church until 1994. After his death, the members of South Olive Christian Reformed Church continued to celebrate her birthdays and holidays. Although Nellie never had children of her own, she felt she was the “mother of all”. The children in church knew that if they got out of line during church service, they would have to deal with Nellie Jones! She did not tolerate children goofing off in church or people who lacked sincerity.

When Nellie could no longer live on her own, she moved into adult foster care where she enjoyed the good company, nearby fishing pond, and horses. She lifted the spirits of all who came to visit in her later years. Nellie once said I’m striving for a 100 – 99 ½ won’t do. Nellie demonstrated her determination to live to be 100. With God’s help, Nellie far surpassed that goal, living to the age of 111!

Nellie Jones went to be with her Lord on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at Heritage Health Care Facility. She was a strong woman of faith, devoted to her husband and friends, living a long life of service to others and to God. She will be missed by all her knew her.

Nellie was preceded in death by her husband Hayward. She is survived by a very close friend, Sylvia Banks of Holland and many other close friends. Funeral services are 1pm Monday, at the Calvary Reformed Church. Officiating will be the Rev. Brenton E. Ward. Burial will take place at North Holland Cemetery. Visiting is 3-6 pm Sunday, at the Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes-Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Ave.