Mary Louise Jones

Mary Louise Jones, age 93, of Saucier, passed away on August 11, 2023, in Gulfport. 

She was born on October 17, 1929 in Hattiesburg and was a long time resident of Saucier.

She was preceded in death by her father, Clyde Townsend; her mother, Lona May Kilpatrick; her step-father, J.J. Kilpatrick; a brother, Eugene Townsend (Jean); a son, Alan Jones; and her husband of 40 years, Wallace Jones.

Mrs. Jones is survived by daughter, Debbie Eubanks; her nieces, Brenda Parr (Todd) and Barbara Mooney; great nieces and nephews, Hannah Rhoads (Adam); Jason Parr (Laura); Katie Jones (Justin); and Patrick Mooney (Gloria)

Mrs. Jones graduated from Charity School of Nursing in New Orleans as an RN and began work at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport as an RN in 1950.

Mary “Louise” eventually progressed in her career to become the assistant director of nurses at the hospital and, also began teaching a nursing course. When the MS Gulf Coast Community College took over the course, she made the transition to teach nursing courses for the college. She was responsible for teaching the first all-black class of nursing students in the state. She eventually became the Health Occupations Coordinator for VO/TECH for MGCCC. She developed new programs and expanded the health occupation curriculum before she retired in 1990.

After Louise graduated from nursing school she married and had two children. The family became active in church and were charter members at Faithview Baptist Church. She was active in ministries at church including teaching adult Sunday School, study courses, leading VBS, WMU and various other ministries at Faithview, Robinwood and Michael Memorial Baptist Churches.

Being part of a church has always been an important part of Louise’s life. The church has always provided the support she needed throughout her life and has been a way that she could serve, be a witness, and minister for the Lord. She always had a special joy in giving to various ministries to spread the gospel and to help others in need. Being part of the church helped her become a great role model in the workplace, church, community and with her family.

Louise was known for her unique sense of humor which continued into her senior years. If she was told she looked good she would reply that she always looked good.

Louise enjoyed shopping for clothes during her working years. After she retired, she loved to travel to the mountains and shop for antiques. As she became less able to travel, she continued to love to go out to eat. We appreciate our friends at IHOP and Chick-Fil-A and how they made our visits special.

Thanks to the loving friends and family that offered their prayers and encouragement during this difficult time. We appreciate the staff at Kare-In-Home, the Stone County Hospital, Memorial Hospital in Gulfport, and Canon Hospice as they cared for Louise as she went through the last stages of her life and for Dr. Benefield and his staff for taking care of her throughout the years.

In lieu of flowers you may choose to support Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse. Use the link below to choose a way to support the ministry and send a gift in memory of Mary Louise Jones:

https://samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/ways-to-give/

Visitation will be on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, from 9 - 10 am at the Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport.  The funeral service will be at 10 am in the funeral home chapel.  Interment will be in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens.