Florence Odell Jones

Sister Florence Odell Jones (nee Whittle) was born on April 19, 1935 in Georgiana, Alabama to the late Ralph and Clara Mae Whittle. She was the third born of five children. She was often known as Odell to many and Auntie and Aunt Odell to everyone else. After a valiant battle with illness, she took her place amongst the elders as she departed this earthly life on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at the Drake Vitas Center. She was preceded in transition by her mother and father, three brothers, Charlie Whittle, Ralph Whittle, Jr., Willie Paul Whittle and one sister, Janie Hazel-Stephens.

In 1941, her parents gathered the family together and relocated everyone from Georgiana to Cincinnati, Ohio. The family moved to the West End on 8th Street. From there, she became a member of New Hope Church, under the leadership of the late Reverend John H. Stephens. It was there that Sister Jones began to learn and love the Lord with her siblings.

On July 14, 1955, Odell wed the late Preston Wade Jones in Holy Matrimony and remained married until his passing. Upon her marriage to Preston, she joined Southern Baptist Church to worship in the house of the Lord with him. It is there where she served as a Deaconess, member of the Early Sunrise Choir, member of the Mother’s Board, and was affectionately known as “Mother Jones” as she was well known for her cooking, especially her Rum Cakes. In another effort to be unified with Preston, she became a member of the St. John’s Chapter No. 25 of the Order of Eastern Stars. She was a faithful member of both the church and her Eastern Star Chapter until the passing of Preston and health issues made it difficult for her to attend regularly. Preston and Odell started the business Ohio Blacktop and Sealing Company. It was there that she worked by his side, ensuring the success of the company and the care of all the employees, many of whom were family.

Odell leaves to cherish her memories: one son, Troy (Tonya) Jones; two grandchildren, Latoya Jones and Troy Jones, Jr.; Peggy Whittle (who cared for her for a long time and was considered a daughter to her); a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and a plethora of friends and other family.

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