Florence Ellen Barrett Burkes Jones

Florence Ellen Barrett Burkes Jones March 24, 1933-December 15, 2018 Mrs. Jones was born Florence Ellen Barrett on March 24, 1933. She was born in the Zama community as the daughter of Ed "Ned" Holmes Barrett & Nina Barrett. She graduated high school in 1951, and the following May of 1952, she married her late husband, Harold Allen "Hambone" Burkes. Together they raised four children. In 1970, Mrs. Jones attended LPN school at Holmes Junior College. In 1970, Mrs. Jones's beloved husband passed away suddenly. She was left to rear her four children alone. During this time, she worked as a nurse in the Critical Care Unit at Montfort Jones Memorial Hospital. On March 3, 1972, Mrs. Jones married Basil L. Jones. In January of 1973, Mrs. Jones was hired by Dr. S.L. Bailey. She spent more than fifteen years as Dr. Bailey's nurse. During this time, she served not only as a nurse to patients, but also as friend, counselor, and encourager to all. Her nursing career spanned more than thirty years, where she worked at both Attala County Nursing Center and Montfort Jones Memorial Hospital. While visiting with Mrs. Jones' family during her final days, nearly every visitor had the same memories of her: she was a compassionate woman. She was always willing to listen to anyone who needed a friendly ear, and she was a natural caregiver. She was a longtime member of Williamsville Baptist Church, where she was active in her Sunday school class. Mrs. Jones is preceded in death by her parents, Ed "Ned" Barrett & Nina Barrett. Her husbands Harold Allen "Hambone" Burkes and Basil L. Jones. Her brothers, Jackie Barrett (Kay), Ned Terry Barrett (Cornelia), and Jerry L. Barrett (Carol Jean). She leaves behind four children: Donna B. Dees of Southaven, MS, Allen Burkes (Beth) of Ethel, MS, Mary Cooper (Howard) of Kosciusko, MS, and Melinda Sims (Ralph) of Starkville, MS. She also leaves behind ten grandchildren, and eighteen great-grandchildren. Known as "MeMe" to her family, Mrs. Jones was notorious for her simple life advice: if you're feeling bad, a coke, a cookie, and a cold wet rag will do the trick, and two more ounces never hurt a baby. The family feels incredibly blessed to have called Mrs. Jones both Mama & MeMe for so many years. She will be terribly missed, but they are confident she is rejoicing in heaven with her family. Visitation will be held at Jordan Funeral Home on Monday, December 17th from 5:00PM-7:00PM and Tuesday, December 18th at 10:00AM. The service will begin at 11:00AM on Tuesday. A burial service will follow at Macedonia Cemetery. Rev. Matt Steed will lead the service. Pallbearers are Clint Brown, Michael Brunt, Jeremy Burkes, Robert Lawrence, Jon Austin McCown, and Shane McCown. Honorary pallbearers are Clint Brown, Jr. and Wyatt May. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to: Macedonia Cemetery Fund c/o Richard B. Massey 2735 Attala Road 5105 Ethel, MS 39067