Obituary of Georgia Jones

GEORGIA JONES was born to William and Virginia Pearl Wilkerson on October 25, 1925 in Chester, IL. She was the 8th of 9 children born. Both of Georgia’s parents passed away two weeks apart before she reached adulthood. Georgia then left Chester, IL: living with her brother Steve in Madison, then finding her way to St. Louis with Bob, and eventually settling in Elgin, IL with her relatives Haddie and Evelyn. It was in Elgin that she met the love of her life, Sidney Jones. Out of their union was born seven beautiful children: Sandra, Valerie, Veronica, Darlene, Sidney Jr, Deborah, and Darryl. The family eventually relocated to Gary, IN for better work opportunities.

Georgia took her children to a freedom march with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Don King, and Jessie Jackson. Georgia became friends with Gary, IN Mayor Hatcher and worked on his election campaign. The family political experience culminated when Georgia, Sidney, and their children met and shook hands with President John F. Kennedy. Georgia continued to fight for justice and serve her community, including being a precinct committee lady for over 30 years where she also elicited her children and grandchildren to help with voting registrations and elections.

Georgia worked at the US Steel Mill where she held various positions, including being promoted to a Foreman. 

Georgia spent her final years in Minnesota. She passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2024 surrounded by family in her home in Columbia Heights, MN. A service will be held on Friday, June 28, 2024 at 2pm at Evergreen Memorial Park, Hobart, IN.