Betty J Jones

Betty Jean Jones (Caldwell), lovingly known as (“Momma Betty”), was born in Birmingham, Alabama, November 14th, 1943, to the union of Joseph C. and Essie Ruby Caldwell. She was a loving resident of Akron, Ohio for over 6 decades. She graduated from South High School class of 1959. She continued her education at the Akron Art institute where she excelled in art and design, receiving a scholarship for her outstanding artistry. She received her Associates degree as a paralegal from the Academy of Court Reporting in 1980. Later on she was accepted at the University of Akron where she worked on her Bachelors degree in criminal justice and a minor in urban planning. She was a lifetime member of Mt.Zion Baptist Church under the late Pastor Luther C. Cooper.
“Momma’s' ' talents were many. She was an extremely Accomplished Community Activist and Civil Leader. From 1963-1973, She worked under Mr. McMillian, forming what was then called “Model City '' helping women in need, to receive living necessities and learn basic lifestyle skills when the system did them wrong. Momma served as the administrator for the Community Action Council (CAC) from 1973-1979, where she was instrumental in creating programs that helped inner-city young adults get their first bank account and oversaw summer trips for the youth. In 1971, she started the “Free Lunch” program at Portage Path Elementary School. Along with her brother Joe Nathan Caldwell, they started the 7-step re-entry program for individuals getting released from prison and finding them employment. With her sisters, Ann Lois, Julia Mae and Maxine, they formed their singing group, “The Crystals,” in 1968. From 1968-1975 she served as the secretary for the Akron Welfare League. Momma, with the help of her daughters,
created Essiex Elite Drill Team, which was a staple in the Akron community, impacting the lives of hundreds of youth. Essiex performed in thousands of parades and performances across the state of Ohio. When you saw that turquoise and white, you knew the show was getting started, “March time, March”! She was also a foster mother to many children in the Summit County area.
She enjoyed roller skating, hand dancing, bowling, winning trophies for bowling a perfect game three years in a row, being an insurance agent, where she was named insurance agent of the year 4 years in a row, she worked for the prosecutor's office for 6 years, then a guardian ad Litem with the Akron Child Enforcement agency, entrepreneur owning KAE’s convenient store located at 800 Copley rd, and lastly the Director of her beloved Drill team Essiex. Mrs. Jones was a beloved wife of 64 yrs, grandmother, and great grandmother. Just like her mother, she believed in doing for others and sharing all the love she had to all; Momma didn’t know a stranger. Most of all she enjoyed her family more than anything in the world.

Preceded in death by her parents, Essie Caldwell (Johnson) and Joseph Caldwell, Sisters: Julia Mae Gordon, Ann Lois Jones, Barbara Ann Skipper, Saundra Maxine Caldwell, and Dorothy Caldwell, Brothers: Joe Nathan (Teno) Caldwell, Willie Lee Caldwell, Freddie Lee Caldwell, Curtis Raymond Caldwell, Joseph Charles Caldwell, and Samuel James Caldwell.

Momma is survived by her childhood sweetheart and husband of 64 years, Wallace Jones, Daughters: Erica Jones, Enora Jones Young (the late Robert Young), and Eena Jones, Sons: Eric (Diana Powe) Jones Sr. and Erron Jones. Grand Children: Eric (Kaleshia) Fletcher Jr., LaNora (Luric) Edison, John Jones, Sr., Te’Eria Jones, LaNiece Jones, Aramis Fletcher, Errice Jones, Kevin Jones, Sr., Cherica Jones, Allahea Jones, Eean Jones, Sr., Erron Jones, Robert Young-Jones, Ariene Weaver, Alesia Weaver, Michael Weaver, Dvante Suddeth, LaMya Jones, Jonathan Clinton, Michael Howard and special grandson Gione Smith, Sr.; Sister, Jacqueline Darlene Owens; Great Grand Children; Eric Fletcher III, Kyler King, Mila Edison, Christiana Jones, LeAiyla Austin Jones, LaNai Jones, Leland Jones, Leon Jones, Jamere Jones, Kayden Jones, Jace Jones, Journey Jones, Kevin Jones Jr, Cartier Spragling Jones, Calii Spragling Jones, Ca’Lea Spragling, Eean Jones Jr, Jaidyn Jones, Jayana Jones, John Jones Jr., Jasani Jones, Jade Jones, Jadora Jones, Travante Salaam Fletcher, Ariya Salaam, Traniya Salaam, Chloe Clinton, Johnathan Clinton, Peighton Cinton, Tramir Jones, Trayvion Jones, Corea Gaiter, Italy Jones, LeEna Jones; Great Great Grand Child: J’Aire McCully. A host of nieces and nephews, god-children Michael King & Sabrina Robinson, and All her “Essiex” babies.