Dorothy Jones

Dorothy Mae Jones, 89, of Glenham, New York, affectionately known as Grandma, Mema, Gigi, and Sister Mother Jones, made her heavenly transition on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at home surrounded by her family and loved ones.

Dorothy Mae Jones was born on October 18, 1936, in Ashburn, Georgia, to the late Jesse Lee and Rosalie Smith.

Dorothy later moved from Georgia to Florida, where she met Johnny C. Jones. The two eventually relocated to Beacon, New York, and were married in 1953 in Danbury, Connecticut. After the birth of their first two children, they settled in Glenham, New York, where they were blessed with seven children in total, five daughters and twin sons.

In 1966, Dorothy became a single parent to her seven children. With unwavering faith, strength, and trust in the Most High God, she devoted herself to raising and providing for her family. In June 1987, Dorothy married Carl Grafton McCall after many years of friendship. The couple later divorced.

Throughout her life, Dorothy held several employment positions. In 1972, she began working at the Texaco Research Center. Because the overnight schedule kept her away from home at night, she later accepted a position with Beacon Looms, which operated in Teaneck, New Jersey, before establishing a location in Beacon, New York.

Dorothy served as a textile supervisor until another opportunity arose. She later joined the New York State Department of Corrections as a Cook Supervisor. Anyone who knew Dorothy knew she had a true gift in the kitchen. She could truly “burn” when it came to cooking, and the inmates she served certainly ate well. Dorothy retired in 2001.

After moving to New York, Dorothy became a member of Springfield Baptist Church. She later moved her membership to Beulah Baptist Church in Wappingers Falls, New York, where she remained until 1987. That same year, she found a spiritual home at Everlasting Covenant Christian Ekklesia in Fishkill, New York, where she continued her faith journey.

Dorothy leaves to cherish her memory her loving children: Theresa Howard (Jesse) of Newburgh, NY; Sherry Jones of Beacon, NY; Dorothy Wallace of Glenham, NY; Mercedes Jones of Glenham, NY; and her honorary daughter Chandra Smith of Reading, PA; along with two sons, John Eric Jones (Sybil) of Hueytown, AL, and Eric John Jones (Joy) of Poughkeepsie, NY.

She is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse Lee and Rosalie Smith; her brother, Eddie Lee Smith; her sisters, Katherine Smith Walker, Wyvonnie Smith, and Barbara Smith; her daughter, Vicky Reed; her son-in-love, Wayne Reed; her grandson, Taron Vereen-Jones; and her great-grandchildren, Lamonica V. Jones and Nevaeh Jacqueline Reed-Hicks.