Delcie Mae Jones

Obituary for Delcie Mae Jones

 "A Virtuous Woman"

Delcie Mae Jones transitioned from this life on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Smithfield, VA.

Delcie Mae Jones was born on December 30, 1930, in Smithfield, Virginia. She was the eldest child of Essie Mae Johnson ad Icesome Crocker. From an early age, Delcie displayed a strong, assertive spirit — a trait that remained with her throughout her life.

Delcie was a devoted daughter who worked hard to support her parents, aunt, and grandparents, caring for them lovingly as their health declined. Though she loved school, she made the selfless decision to leave her education behind to raise and support her younger siblings after the passing of her elders. She took on housekeeping and cooking jobs at various restaurants around Smithfield to ensure her siblings could continue their education.

At the age of 20, Delcie began working at Gwaltney Meat Packing Plant in Smithfield, where she remained a dedicated employee for 44 years.

Delcie accepted Christ at an early age and joined Little Zion Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Rev. J. A. Taylor. She was a faithful and active member, later joining the Mission's Ministry. Delcie was deeply devoted to her family, her pastor, and her church family. She especially loved discussing how the choir sang and how powerful the pastor preached with anyone who visited her home.

She was known for her delicious cooking and was the happiest preparing her signature dishes of rice pudding, fried chicken, cabbage, and cakes for family and friends.

Delcie was predeceased by her brother, James Johnson; sister, Annie Johnson; aunts, Geneva Brumley, Jima Thomas and her nephew, Hayden Johnson.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving son, Lee Andrew Jones, Sr, daughter-in-love, Clara R. Jones; her sisters, Margaret Eley, Viola Johnson; her grandchildren, Lee Andrew Jones, Jr. (Shawanda), Nicole D. Jones; her greatgrandchildren, DeMari Jones (Infinity), A'Shantee Jones, NyZir Jones, AiDen Jones, Teleka Jones, Kendra Lee Ruland, Kaliyah Jones, Jarieel Jones, Zaire Holmes; her great-great grandchildren, Khloe Jones, Carson Kirk, Carson Jones Gaye, RaGan Atkins and Giselle Atkins.

Delcie's love for children extended beyond her immediate family. She raised two nephews and one niece as her own, Hayden Johnson, Bernard Johnson and Wanda Johnson Mayo (Tony). She also played an instrumental role in the lives of their children and grandchildren; Shayla Tyler, Demetrius Whitley, Damien Whitley, Sr. (Deonka), Dejanee Whitley Key (Domonique, Sr.), Kah'Sari Whitley, Paris Whitley, Aniya Whitley, Mariya Whitley, Destinee Whitley, Damien Whitley, Jr., Amiel Whitley, Nehemiah Whitley, Domonique Key, Jr. and Dahiya Key.

She also held close the Richardson family as her bonus family along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

On Monday, May 5, 2025, viewing will take place from 3-6pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11am Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Little Zion Baptist Church, 9496 Old Stage Highway, Smithfield, VA 23430. Interment will follow the service in the Baptist Church Cemetery, Berry Hill Road, Smithfield, VA 23430. Please keep the Jones family in your prayers.