Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. (John 11:25-26)

Our beloved Annie Mae Jones-Ellison peacefully departed this life early Monday morning, February 19, 2024 at Riverside Regional Medical Center. She was born on May 6, 1939 to the late Winfred and Ethel Shields. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. Annie Mae was filled with love, compassion, and kindness.

She attended York County Public Schools and graduated from James Weldon Johnson High School, June 1957. Upon graduating high school, she attended Hampton Institute, now known as Hampton University, acquiring certification for Family Health and Nursing and became a Nursing Assistant. She also participated in numerous nursing trainings at the Veteran Administration Hospital in Hampton, Virginia where she retired after 30 years of service. During her tenure at the VA Hospital, she was awarded several performance awards, outstanding achievements, and certificates of appreciation for her services.

Annie Mae accepted Christ at an early age and joined Grafton Baptist Church, Harris Grove. She served on the B.W. Morrison Gospel Chorus and was instrumental in charity efforts while serving on the building fund committee. Annie Mae joined World Victory Church and Life Center where she remained faithful until her passing.

She was very passionate about cooking for others, especially at church on "Wimpy Wednesday." Everyone enjoyed her award-winning sweet potato and coconut custard pies among other specialty dishes.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rufus Ellison, Clarence D. Jones and nine siblings.

She leaves to cherish many fond memories by her loving children, Sandra Barnes of Atlanta, Ga; Brian Barnes and Sabrina Jones-Burke (Lee) of Hampton, VA; grandchildren: Nakita Arnold (Tony) of Atlanta, GA; Isaiah Jones-Clark of Charlotte, NC; Erica Jones-Clark of Newport News, VA; Jerome Holloway and Jonathan Holloway of Hampton, VA; great-grandchildren: Jasmine Barnes of Tamuning, Guam; Kennedy Jones-Clark, Ca'Mari Kabia, Camryn Kabia, and Capri Kabia of Newport News, VA; Malik Jones-Clark of Charlotte, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalms 73:26)

A viewing will be held from 3-6 p.m. on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at the funeral home.  Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at World Victory Church and Life Center.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.