"I have fought a good fight,

I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

-II Timothy 4:7

On September 19, 2019, MRS. LELA BELLE JOHNSON JONES quietly entered eternal rest. Lela was born in Asheville, North Carolina to the union of the late Rev. Morris L. Johnson and Octavia Brown Johnson on August 13, 1936. Lela's early childhood days were spent in Reidsville, North Carolina. She often shared how happy those days were for her family. Later, the family moved to Greensboro, NC for opportunities of a better education.

This would come to fruition. A true lover of learning, Lela attended Dudley High School, earned her BA degree from Bennett College and a Master's in Education from the University of San Francisco. Employed by Ravenswood City School District for thirty-eight years, Lela taught grades kindergarten through grade four. Lela was recognized by her colleagues as a master teacher. She was very proud of the fact that over the years, she taught almost all of her students to read successfully before leaving kindergarten.

Married for over sixty years, what began as a friendship in high school between Lela and Harold, would blossom in college, into a lifelong romance. When Lela was asked how did she know that Harold was the one? She answered, "He always had big dreams". Their union produced two children Crystal and Valerie. Lela treasured her relationship with her family. She loved her children and adored her grandchild, Grant.

Lela was a very dedicated parent. Along with Harold, she saw to it that her "girls" had many cultural experiences and impressed upon them the importance of education. The phrase "Dedicated Parents" will be written on their head plaque at the cemetery.

With her always inquisitive mind, Lela loved to travel. This inspired her to create many diverse culinary dishes based on her experiences.

A heart for service, in 1984, Lela would become a member of The Links, Inc.; a Platinum member of The Links, Inc. in 2019. She would be involved and instrumental in countless service projects. Initiated in February 1986, Lela would become a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Lela was a dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church of Palo Alto, California for over fifty- five years. She served the church in various capacities including the Board of Trustees and supporting FUMC's mission of serving those less fortunate. On many Sunday mornings, her melodic voice could be heard supporting the church choir from the congregation.

Lela was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Johnson.

Lela Belle Johnson Jones is survived by and loved by her devoted family: her husband, Dr. Harold Jones; two daughters, Crystal Jones Andrews (Reginald Andrews) of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Valerie Jones of Bowie, Maryland; sister, Nancy Johnson of Corona, California; brothers Morris L. Johnson Jr. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Lawrence Johnson (Patsy Johnson) of College Park, Georgia; she loved and adored her only grandchild, Grant Andrews; as well as, an array of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

A homegoing celebration will be held on Friday, October 4, 2019 at the Goldie Hargett Memorial Chapel, 905 E. Market Street, Greensboro at 1 pm.  Entombment will follow at Lakeview Memorial Park.

Services entrusted to Hargett Funeral Service, Inc.