Jane Ella Jones Richardson

Jane Ella Jones Richardson, of Stateville, NC, fell asleep peacefully on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at the age of 83.
Ms. Jane Ella was born on October 21, 1939, in Holly Springs, MS to the late Lee and Frances Jones. She has three siblings: Olivia Massey, Pauletta Hockaday (preceded in death), Gloria Jean Jones, (preceded in death) and a bonus sister/cousin, Edith Burke.
Ms. Jane Ella is survived by her four children: Sabrena Richardson of Stateville, NC; Ebony Richardson of Mooresville, NC; Michelle Richardson of RI, and Sheila Richardson of NY. Jane Ella also has four nieces and nephews that she loved and helped raise as her own children: Anthony Hockaday, Cynthia Hockaday, Shonell Hawkins, all of NY, and Greg Hawkins of PA.
Ms. Jane Ella has 10 grandchildren: Diquel (Kaelyn)Richardson, Khadid Richardson, Mahogany Richardson, Tyliek Kinlaw, Najee’ Kinlaw, Eric Richardson, Jasmine Richardson, Sade Richardson, Jahrelle Carroll and Deondre Richardson. She also has six great-grandchildren: Aiden Richardson, Khloe Harper, Anthony Richardson, Breeze Richardson, Caryonah Richardson and Ava Richardson. She also has many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews and cousins, all whom she loved dearly.
Jane Ella moved to Brooklyn, New York right after high school in 1959 to help raise her nieces and nephews with her sister Pauletta. Here she met William Richardson, and they were married in July of 1972. She became an instant Mom to her beloved stepchildren, Michelle and Sheila. It was in Brooklyn that she was first introduced to Jehovah’s Witnesses. Anyone that knows Ms. Jane has heard her say: “They would come to my door all the time, but I would never answer. And one day something told me; the next time those witnesses knock on that door, answer it. Five days later there was a knock on the door and I ain’t look back since.” That was in 1973 and from then on, she spent the rest of her life pursuing, learning and solidifying her relationship with Jehovah God. She moved to South Carolina in the late 1980’s where she raised her children and to North Carolina in 2010. She joined the Statesville Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses and Jane Ella symbolized her dedication to Jehovah by getting baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on September 21, 2013.
Jane Ella persevered through many challenges, hardships, and sickness. She worked hard, and she loved hard, to support her family. In her words: “If I had to be in the cotton fields of Mississippi or walk alone to catch the train to get to work as a waitress in the streets of NYC, I am going to make sure we all eat, we all have clothes, we all have what we needed.”
Ms. Jane was known as a “tough cookie”, a “straight shooter” and an honest and warm-hearted woman. She left a special mark in the lives of many. Ms. Jane blessed so many people with her remarkable generosity, thoughtfulness, her selflessness and her “talks”. She would take every opportunity to talk to people about Jehovah and then tell a story about her days in Mississippi. She was the purest form of love. When her grandchildren were asked “What is your favorite memory of Grandma?” All replied, “It was all special, every moment.” To know Jane Ella, our mommy and grandma, is to love her and to know her love for her God, Jehovah and her deep desire to do things his way. She had a will and a determination that inspired those blessed to have known her to always do what is right.
Jane Ella had strong faith in Jehovah and his promises, including the future Paradise and the Resurrection. We look forward to seeing her again; young and healthy, with the same sense of humor and words of wisdom.

Dear Mommy, Grandma,
Oh, how dearly you will be missed. We love you so much and we know that you wouldn’t want us to cry tears of pain or sorrow but rather tears of happiness and joy as we await the beautiful promises of the future. We can’t wait to see you again. One of the Elders shared this comforting comment with us and he said: “Death reminds us of how short life is, but the resurrection reminds us of how short death is.” We will hold on to that knowing soon we will be together forever! See you soon Mommy, We love you!!
Ms. Jane wouldn’t want tears shed in sadness but rather tears of joy as we look to the future.

“Imagine the Time”

Life is hard, and it wears us down.
There’s not enough to go around.
I close my eyes, and there I see.
That ev’ry hope has come to be.
Imagine the time when there’s no more pain,
When life’s so good and we are young again.
Imagine the time when we wake up and say,
“Thank you, thank you for this new life and this brand-new day!”
Not a sound has ever touched my ears,
And eyes grow dim with passing years.
But ears will hear when music plays.
And eyes will see each brand-new day.
Imagine the time when there’s no more pain,
When life’s so good and we are young again.
Imagine the time when we wake up and say,
“Thank you, thank you for this new life and this brand-new day!”
I might not be the way I want to be.
But one day soon, I’ll be running free!
Imagine the time when there’s no more pain,
When life’s so good and we are young again.
Imagine the time when we’re dancing out the door!
Ev’ry day is better than before.
Imagine the time when there’s no more pain,
When life’s so good and we are young again.
Imagine the time when we wake up and say,
“Thank you, thank you for this brand-new day!”

“We sincerely thank all of those who have extended their kindness and support during these difficult times. Your words of comfort and condolences mean more to our family than you know.”