Mary Louise Jones

Mary Lou Jones passed into God’s glory on Friday, November 15th. She lived a long life of 98 years. She leaves behind 4 children Sue LaRussa (married to Joe), Jill McAnally, Jan Bodiford (married to Tom), and Danny Jones (married to Cassie Oliver Jones); 8 grandchildren Michelle LaRussa Box, Tonya Bodiford Emmons, Jim McAnally, David LaRussa, Tracy Bodiford, Angela Jones, Jenny LaRussa, and Kelly Jones; 13 great grandchildren; and 5 great, great, grandchildren.

 Mary Lou Jones was born Mary Louise Jordan August 3, 1926 in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was one of six children. She was the oldest girl. She was always close to her siblings, even in her elderly years. During WWII, she became active in the Civil Air Patrol and wrote correspondence to soldiers overseas. She used to tell us how she met her husband, Dave. Dave dated one of her sisters and she had dated one of his brothers before they dated each other. They were married on May 30, 1947. Dave said that when they were married, he had only $35 in his pocket. They didn’t have a lot of money but they were rich in love. They left Indianapolis in 1950 and came to Birmingham, Alabama with three girls – a two-year old and six month old twins. Dave opened Valley Jewelers in Homewood with his older brother Frank and his wife Norma. Seven years later, the son Dave was waiting for was born.

 Mary Lou became a fabulous business woman. She sold Avon, Tupperware, and NutriBio. She was known as the Queen of Homewood due to her sales with her and Dave’s company Valley Realty.

 Holidays always brought family to her house. Grandchildren loved running and chasing each other in the house, until she would yell at them to stop running in her house and go outside until dinner was on the table. Summer Vacations on the beach were another time family gathered and made memories building sandcastles, diving for sand dollars, and enjoying meals together.

 She loved fishing, playing cards, and what she called “junkin’. “ She was active in her senior center in Florida playing bridge, euchre, and pinochle. She initiated dart night. The sheetrock in her garage was proof to her commitment to learning how to play the game. She never gave up playing card games, and up until her last day she was the queen of Rummikub. She loved her family and her games. She was proud to say she was the beginning of five generations of first born girls still living.

She will be missed.

Visitation will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church Thursday, November 21st starting at 10:15am. Mass will begin at 11:00 followed by graveside services at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Hoover.