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Erma Jean Ridgell-Jones was born March 9, 1935, to Richard and Bertha Lee Ridgell. She grew up in Wilmar with her siblings, Ernest, Vernestine and Lewis. She was the third child. During her childhood, she loved basketball and played on the Drew High School basketball team in Monticello where she graduated. She was affectionately known in the community as "Mama Jean".
Jean loved the Lord and accepted Christ at a young age. She was well known for her beautiful voice and was a very active member of the choir at Greater Shady Grove A.M.E. Church in Wilmar and the A.M.E. Community Choir. She was a devoted mother, dedicated church member and a friend to many. She retired from Leisure Lodge Nursing Home in Monticello after thirty plus years. She also was known for her kind spirit and funny sense of humor. She never met a stranger and was very hospitable to all. She loved fashions, pedicures, dining out and traveling.
Mama Jean was preceded in death by her, grandparents, Grace and Lula Eatmon; parents; siblings; and son, Terrance "Terry" Jones.
She leaves five children to cherish memories, Patrick (Mary) Jones, Sandra (Ken) Charles, Bruce Jones, Sonia (Willie) Wilbourn and Sasha (Edward) Hunter; daughter-in-law, Marilyn White-Jones; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation was held Friday, January 2, 2025, at Greater Shady Grove A.M.E. Church in Wilmar from 12-1 p.m. Funeral Services followed at 1 p.m. Burial was in Wilmar Cemetery in Wilmar. Repast was at the Wilmar Community Center.
