Obituary

Jones, Della W., 87, passed into life eternal on March 14, 2025, at home. Born August 29, 1937, in White Hall, AL, to the late Willie and Lillie Pierce. Della was a 1955 graduate of Lowndes County Training High School, she also attended Alabama State College. Della was the First Lady of the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E) church for many years, serving as a pastor’s wife in the ministry faithfully alongside her husband. She was an accomplished seamstress and homemaker, and she was a member of Bethel A.M.E. church in Johnstown, PA where her husband pastored for 7 years before retiring, and after 50+ years, they settled in the Johnstown area. At Bethel A.M.E., Della served as the chair of stewardesses’ board, president of lay organization, and steward board for many years. She also faithfully prepared the table for the Holy Communion each month. Della enjoyed watching old black-and-white re-runs of TV. She could quote sport statistics of football and basketball players but never watched a game from beginning to end. Della loved her flowers, she always said working with the soil made her feel closer to the Lord. Preceded in death by her daughter, Jackie Jones, Della leaves to cherish her memories, her loving husband, Rev. Earnest Jones; brother, James White, of Youngstown, OH; son, Clifton White (Vanessa), of Alabaster, AL; daughter, Adrienne Byrd (Damon), of Lanham, MD; grandson, Brandon White; granddaughter, Taylor Byrd; aunt, Ernestine McDonald, of Ontario, CA;  nephews; Warren (Wanda), James, Jr. (Cynthia), numerous cousins; many special friends that looked out for her include her god-daughter, Deborah Pridgen, Doris Scott, Kim Fantauzzo (Bennett), Sandra Joy, Valerie Joy and Devon Haselrig; and cherished church member Sister Penny Price.  A memorial service will be held at a later date entrusted to Hindman Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., “Exclusive Provider of Veterans and Family Memorial Care.”