Mrs. Paralee B. Jones

Paralee Brooks Jones was the first-born to Albert Smith and Ruby (Bosley) Brooks on February 9, 1920 in Monticello, Arkansas. Within a year, her one and only sister Burnell was born. As fate would have it, her mother passed when she was five years and her sister at four years old. Her father later remarried Mattie (Henderson) Brooks who had two children .... creating a 'blended' family of four children. She gained a brother Milton and a sister Eula. She received her formal education at the "school for colored students," Drew County Training School in Monticello, Arkansas. Growing up in the rural and agricultural South instilled in her many skills and values ... hard work, determination, commitment, responsibility, etc ... which served her well throughout her lifetime. On completion of grade school and high school she attended college at the former Agricultural, Mechanical and Normal (AM&N) College in Pine Bluff, Arkansas (now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff) where she majored in Home Economics. On December 27, 1939 she entered into holy matrimony with Howard Leron Jones, a union that lasted for 67 years. In 1944, following his tour of duty in the U.S. Army, Howard and Paralee relocated to Milwaukee. She accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age and being a third generation African Methodist Episcopal Church member, in 1945, Para lee and Howard joined St. Mark AME Church under pastor Rev. E. B. Steward. Throughout the years she has remained a faithful, devoted and steadfast member; faithfully serving as a member of the Nurses' Guild (secretary for 30 years); the Geraldine Bradford Women's Missionary Society; and is a Life Member of Church Women United. In the Milwaukee community, Paralee and Howard were blessed to find steady, reliable and productive employment and raise their three children: Patricia Ann, Michael Leron, and Gregory DeWayne. Para lee was employed by the Rhea Clothing Manufacturing Company and later was employed by the Milwaukee County Hospital's Mental Health Center (Geriatrics) from which she retired in 1983 after 25 years of service. In the Milwaukee community, she was a diligent member of both the Princess Ellah Chapter #1 Order of the Eastern Stars and Zembo Court #130 Daughters of Isis. She is particularly remembered for her zest and enthusiasm in coordination with and support of the long-time cultural event - the 'Milwaukee Folk Fair' which brought together people of various ethnicities throughout the Milwaukee area and beyond to share cultures, food, customs, and historical events aimed at encouraging appreciation of others and improve human relations. Paralee was a true mother and woman of God to both immediate and extended family and all who came in contact with her. She was an amazing baker known for her chocolate chip cookies, pound cakes and lemon meringue pies. She is known as our family historian remembering events, birthdays, and anniversaries. Paralee leaves to cherish her spiritual legacy and memory her children Patricia, Michael {PeggyL Gregory (Geneva), grandchildren {Christopher, Kristin, Anthony). two great-grandchildren and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. On October 27, 2019 Paralee transitioned from labor to eternal life. She is preceded in death by her husband Howard, both parents Albert and Ruby, sisters Burnell, Eula, and brother Milton.

Mrs. Paralee B. Jones

February 9, 1920 - October 27, 2019