Marguerite Powell Jones was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina on Sunday, September 30, 1928.  She was the daughter of Robert and Catherine Dickens. At a youthful age, she moved to Newport News, Virginia with her parents, where she grew up to be a devout Christian.  She joined her beloved First Baptist Church as a teenager and as an adult served as a missionary (and eventually, a nurse). She remained an active member until her health declined in 2018.

Marguerite graduated as a member of Huntington High School ("The Mighty Vikings") Class of 1946 and subsequently attended Bennett College, the acclaimed Greensboro, North Carolina HBCU (Historically Black College or University) for women. She stayed connected with a former classmate at Huntington, Thomas Edward Jones, also of Newport News, who was by then in the United States Air Force. Thomas wooed her with a series of romantic and beautifully written love letters, which continued during his deployment throughout the United States. The couple married in January 1950 and returned to Newport News during Thomas' years of military service.  Together, they had three children: Thomas Cornelieus Jones, Felicia Joy Jones Howard, and Karen Leola Jones Gonzalez (Federico Warren). She was the stepmother of Thomas Edward's son, the late William Hatchett.

After the passing of Thomas Edward in 1968, she raised her children as a single parent while continuing her education. Marguerite received her Cosmetology License from Madam Daniels School of Beauty and Culture. She later received an Associates of Arts Degree in Sociology from Virginia Peninsula Community College (formerly known as Thomas Nelson Community College). She continued her studies at what was then Christopher Newport College (now, University). Marguerite went on to serve as a dedicated member of the Newport News School System, where she retired as an Instructional Assistant in 1991.

She is survived by her youngest Sister, Gloria Hodges, of Smithfield, Virginia; Sister-In-Law Denise Howard (Terrence); Special Cousin Ina Whitfield-McNeill of Washington, DC; cousins LaVonne Whitfield-Williams and Joycelyn Whitfield of Baltimore, Maryland; Norma Jean Whitfield Magee of California; grandchildren Ulric C. Copeland (Nona), Aisha Gantt (Garland II), Chaunacie Gates (Laundrell), Kevin Howard II (Paris), Joy A. Gonzalez, and Bianca M. Gonzalez; and great-grandchildren Alysia Copeland, Ulric Copeland II, and Micah Gates. A host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and close friends also mourn her loss. She is predeceased by her sisters Doretha Rasberry, Bernice Osborne, Willie Beatrice Robinson, and Christine Jasper.

Marguerite loved Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and could quote the Bible at length. As a young woman, she was attentive to those sick and shut from society, particularly to the sick and elderly, often bringing them gifts from the FBCEE Missionary and offering companionship in their later years.  She was an affectionate and loving mother, who considered her children her greatest achievement, and taught them the importance of making Jesus Christ a central focus in life. Her love for her children was second only to Him. When she said a prayer, her words were spoken so poetically and with such conviction they touched the souls of all who heard them. Some of her favorite bible verses include:

"I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears."

"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved."

"Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven."

Marguerite was an avid shopper, a "fashionista" who enjoyed keeping up with the latest trends and relaxing at the mall. She was known for her fabulous Church Crowns, stunningly elaborate hats tailored for each outfit. All heads turned when Marguerite stepped onto the scene!

Whether they knew her by her given name, or by any of the other terms of affection she was given: "Butch" from her husband Thomas, "Maw-he" from her sister Gloria, "Spicy" from her nurse Tori, all who knew Marguerite admired the depth of her love and her steadfast commitment to her family and friends, as well as the persistence of Christian faith through good times and bad.  Marguerite enjoyed living life to the fullest and was a strong and healthy senior who drove her own car and lived independently in her own home until the age of 89.

When her health took a turn for the worse, she moved in with her daughter Joy, to her home in Yorktown, Virginia.  It was Marguerite's strength and her family's faith in prayer that allowed her to battle her final illness; she remained a fighter until her last breath. On Thursday, May 23rd, 2024, she passed peacefully in her sleep, at her daughter Karen's home in Chesterfield, New Jersey.

The viewing will be held on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at the funeral home from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The funeral will be held 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at First Baptist Church East End, 3000 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607, preceded by a viewing at 10:00 a.m.

Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.