Celebrating the Life of Delores Robinson Jones

January 11, 1930 – March 31, 2025

Delores Robinson Jones, affectionately known as Mom to her children, Grandmom to her grandchildren, and later Nana to her great-great-grandchildren, departed this life at the age of 95, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of love, faith, resilience, and family. She was the proud matriarch of a large and loving family and a shining example of the strength and grace of a Black woman who lived with dignity, purpose, and deep compassion.

Born on January 11, 1930, in Mt. Olive, North Carolina, Delores was the beloved daughter of Mac and Estelle Robinson. As the eldest of her siblings, including her two cherished brothers, Thaddeus and Rathel Robinson, she learned early on the importance of responsibility, family, and courage—qualities she carried with her throughout her life.

In 1947, Delores married James W. Jones, and together they raised 11 children, building a strong, faith-filled home grounded in love and unity.

She relocated to Washington, D.C. in 1950, and later made Philadelphia her permanent home in 1960. A woman of incredible work ethic, Delores held positions at Stouffer’s Restaurant Company, Bayuk Cigar Factory, and The Inquiry.Yet her proudest role was that of a mother and caregiver, pouring her love into her home and community.

Delores was a faithful member of Oak Grove Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir with the voice of an angel. Her gift for music began at the age of six, and she continued to uplift others through song, traveling the country with her daughters as part of the gospel group Philadelphians For Christ. Her true passion was singing.

In her neighborhood, she was lovingly known as Ms. Jones—“the lady on Marshall Street with all the children”—and as Ms. Dee to family friends. She was deeply respected, admired, and known for her unwavering strength and nurturing spirit.

A proud Southern woman, Delores lived through and overcame the many challenges of racism, social change, and life’s hardships with grace and courage. She embodied resilience and passed on her strength to her children and the generations that followed. She was a pillar in her family, known for her wisdom, poise, and her ability to love without limits.

She hosted Thanksgiving dinners, made Christmas magical, and loved gardening, visiting Cracker Barrel, making trips to Home Depot, and watching her favorite soap operas and The Price Is Right.

Her children were the joy of her life. She loved fiercely, gave generously, and lived boldly—a true matriarch in every sense of the word. Her story is one of perseverance, joy, and unwavering devotion to those she loved.

Delores Robinson Jones leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew her. She was a mother, a nurturer, a songbird, a leader—and most importantly, a Black woman whose strength and love built a legacy that will live on for generations.

Delores was preceded in death by her parents, Mac and Estelle Robinson; her brothers, Thaddeus Robinson and Rathel Robinson; her beloved husband, James W. Jones; her children, Willie Jones, Bruella Jones, James Jones, and Linda Eleazer; her son-in-law, Wayne Rouse; and her grandchildren, Angelo Marshall, Terrell Jones, and great-great grandchild Natalie Miller.

She leaves to cherish her memory: daughters Betty Green, Lelar Rouse, Beatrice Jones, Janette Jones, and Francine Jones; sons Terry Jones and Adam Jones; along with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.