Obituary of Darlene Jones

Darlene Smith Jones, 73, of Millville, NJ, gained her wings on Thursday, October 17th, after a lengthy illness. Darlene faced her health challenges with courage and resilience, and despite these limitations, she remained a source of inspiration to those around her. Darlene was born on November 26, 1950, to the late Willie Harris of Virginia and the late Dora Moore of Maryland. She was lovingly raised by the late Ethel Young and her daughter, Dorothy Spady, along with the late Edward Kirby, all of Port Norris, NJ. She received her education in the Port Norris public system and later worked at Gorton’s Seafood in Millville, NJ, until her sudden health challenges. Darlene was the proud mother of five children and was married to the late Rayfield D. Jones, with whom she shared 44 years together, 29 of them in marriage. Rayfield was faithfully dedicated to Darlene until his passing. In 1987, Darlene accepted Jesus Christ into her heart as her Savior. Her journey began under the leadership of the late Apostle William Weeks, Sr., and Apostle Margaret Weeks of Miracle Evangelist Deliverance Church in Vineland, NJ. Darlene served as a devoted Usher and Missionary. Alongside her husband, they served briefly under Apostle Roma D. and Pastor Lillian C. Allen, Sr. of Faith Outreach Deliverance Church in Bridgeton, NJ. Darlene was deeply grateful to return to her home church, under new leadership of her devoted son-in-law, Pastor Mack Selby, Sr., which brought her great joy. Darlene was a kind, loving, and gentle woman who, even on her sickbed, would constantly pray for others and speak to them about God. She loved listening to gospel music, with CeCe Winans and Le’Andria Johnson among her favorites. Above all, she cherished her family and was very grateful for their care and support. Darlene leaves to cherish her memory: her four children, Lisa Wainwright, Veronica (Mack) Selby, Tina Wainwright, all of Millville, NJ, and Shawntia (Cedric) Wainwright of Franklinville, NJ; 16 grandchildren, Shannon, O’Syrus, Jayron, Lo’Quan, DaQuanna, Sydney, Shaquill, Shateriah, Laveaya, Saivion, Saiona, Jamecia, Ranasia, La’Nyjah, Josiah, and Mackia; 24 great-grandchildren; one stepson; Chancey; two stepdaughters, Edith and April; four siblings, Mabel (Lee) Lecator, Mary (John) Lecator, and Arnold (Melvina) Moore; one stepsister, Patricia Hall; one Goddaughter, Rasheena Hall; and three sisters-in-law, Mary Catherine Fisher, Arlene Johnson, and Mary Burrison; her nurses, Kelly, India, Dejuanna, and Veronica. She was predeceased by her parents, Willie Harris and Dora More; her husband, Rayfield Jones; her son, Willie Lee Wainwright; and one great granddaughter, Jamiya Marie Lee. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 31st at 11:00 AM at Faith Tabernacle, 1655 North Ave. in Port Norris. A visitation will take place at the church from 9:00 to 11:00 AM prior to the services. Interment will follow the services at Haleyville Methodist Cemetery in Commercial Township.