Ms. Myrtle Patterson Jones Passes
May 11, 1935 – September 20, 2023
Ms. Myrtle Jones, a beloved Christian servant and educator, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 20, 2023, at the age of 88 years old at St. Ann's Home in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was born in West Memphis, Arkansas the fourth of eight children from Mr. Lee Hiram Patterson, Sr., and Mrs. Euvelle Chamberlain Patterson.
Sister Myrtle (as she is referred to at church) was a devout Christian who believed that the representation of one's faith is not by words but by deeds. She loved God and showed her love by serving others with all her heart throughout her life. Sister Myrtle was a member of First Community African Methodist Church for 60 years and over the years participated in various ministries and for many years served in the Stewardess ministry. She was known for her quick wit, humor, frankness, generosity, and loving spirit. Sister Myrtle possessed an exceptional intellect honed through years of continuous reading, study, and learning. Her observant nature enabled her to see and understand things the average person misses. Her special lens of understanding enabled her to relate effectively to many diverse people and perspectives. She looked for the best in people and connected thoughtfully on many different levels.
Attending public schools in Memphis, Tennessee, Sister Myrtle graduated from LeMoyne College (now Lemoyne-Owen College) in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She graduated near the top of her class. While at Lemoyne, she became a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority. After her graduation, she taught school briefly in Memphis before relocating to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and teaching in the Grand Rapids Public Schools. She completed two graduate courses at the University of Michigan before leaving school for motherhood. Sister Myrtle was an outstanding educator. For over 45 years, she delivered excellence in the classroom.
Even though she shunned recognition and honors, she was widely regarded as one of the very best educators. Often requested to serve in administrative roles, she declined them because in her words "I can do better work in the classroom." While able to teach any grade level, Sister Jones focused on teaching first graders at Henry Elementary School for many years. In her later years, she became a "super sub" who could go into any school in the Grand Rapids Public Schools with her commanding presence and facilitate a positive learning experience for students. Sister Jones was a passionate and dedicated teacher who loved her students. In the classroom, she was known for her discipline, creativity, and ability to make learning fun.
Beyond the classroom, she was married to the late Brother Rudolph Jones for 59 years. In Brother Jones' words, when he saw sister Myrtle he said: "That's what I need!" Sister Myrtle raised her three children (Kevin, Craig, and Renee) and greatly assisted in the raising of two grandchildren (Denise and Robert) and three great-grandchildren (Tayshawn, Maklyah, and Destiny). One of her great joys of life, even at an advanced age involved interacting with and transporting her great-grandchildren to various educational, arts, sports, and church-related events. Seven days a week, Sister Myrtle would effectively share in the lives of her grandchildren, consistently involving them in multiple church ministries. Beyond teaching and her children, Sister Myrtle was a passionate master gardener demonstrating amazing skill to grow both food (greens, beans, cucumbers, etc.) and visually appealing foliage (flowers, bushes, et. al.). An amazing cook she was known widely for her baked goods and tasty dishes.
Sister Myrtle Jones was preceded in death by her beloved husband Brother Rudolph A. Jones, and her loving son Craig A. Jones. She is survived by her sisters Ms. Mary Alice Tubbs (Dr. Levester), and Ms. Laverne Chester, brother Col. Arthur Patterson (Dr. Faye), her son, Rev. Dr. Kevin J. Jones (Bennie) and daughter Ms. Renee D. Jones. She is also survived by her five grandchildren Nichole D. Eddy (Erin), Denise M. Jones, Sterling A. J. Jones, Gabriel E. G. Jones, and Robert Greene II, and four great-grandchildren Tayshawn J. Jones, Maklyah D. Jones, Destiny M. Jones, and Bryson A. Jones.
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