Mrs. Catherine R. Jones' Obituary
On October 27, 1952, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, God blessed Staten and Carrie M. Cooley Calbert with a beautiful baby girl. They named her Catherine Renee Calbert and on that day her journey began. She received her education both elementary and secondary in the public schools of Hattiesburg, MS and graduated from L. J. Rowan High School in 1970. She was determined to pursue an education beyond high school, thus attending Alcorn State University with a major in Home Economics, receiving her degree in 1974. She married the "man of her dreams" and the "love of her life" Wilbert L. Jones II in 1973 and to this union 2 children were born, Wilbert LaRon Ill and Angela Denise. After graduation from Alcorn State University, Catherine was one of the first AfricanAmerican women to be employed seventeen (17) years at MS Power/Southern Company. Following her seventeen (17) years with the MS Power Company, her journey led her into education at Southeast Middle School, where she taught Tech Prep and Career Discovery. After twenty-one (21) years of service, she retired from the Lauderdale County School System in 2014. Catherine loved God and her church. She was a faithful member of St. Paul United Methodist Church where she served as Chairperson of Communications, a member of the United Methodist Women, the History and Stewardship Committees, and the PPRC. She served as the Election Commissioner for the City of Meridian for over ten (10) years and was also a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Alcorn State University was her lifetime commitment. She was a member of the MeridianLauderdale Alumni Chapter of Alcorn State University and served on the fundraising, marketing and communications committees for years. She was truly the "Backbone" of the chapter and will be missed by all. She was also a member of the National Alcorn State University Alumni Chapter. Mrs. Jones was also a member of the Alcorn State University 1871 Club. Catherine was fondly known as the mother to many or as "Mama Jones", because she served as a second mom and mentor to an abundance of young people. Her true passion Was capturing life’s moments for family and friends nd presenting them in a photo book, calendar, reunion booklets and obituaries. Everything she put her hands on turned to gold and she was very detailed and meticulous in making sure the memories she created for others were perfect, immaculate, and would last forever.
On July 30, 2020 at 11:30pm, Catherine transitioned into life eternal surrounded by the people she loved the most, her family. She was preceded in death by: her parents, Staten and Carrie; her brothers: William, James, and Staten, Jr.; and sister, Bertha.
Those who know cherish her memory and await their glorious reunion are: her devoted husband, Wilbert; children: Wilbert LaRon III and his wife, Ehida; and Angela Denise; brothers: Curtis and Ronald; sisters: Mary, Annie, Carrie, Marilyn, Sharon, and Rolanda; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
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