Gillie
Ann Hailey Jones
FROM THE
Transcribed by Judith Kemp Holley
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Jones, Gilley Ann Hailey 1859 – 1921
The death angel visited the home of brother M. L.
Jones of Difficult,
Hailey Jones was born May 17, 1859. She professed religion and joined
the Missionary Baptist church at Defeated Creek on September 18, 1876.
Her and brother Luther were baptized the same day but
at that time they
knew nothing of their wedding. She was married to brother
Jones three years
later. To them were born four children, three boys and one girl, all of which
are living. She also had five sisters and three brothers, all of which are dead
except one brother, O.D. Hailey. Her twin sister, Lucy Smith, died three
years ago. She has been in bad health for several years. She has borne her
sickness with great patience, never complained of her having to suffer. She
was one of the very best Christian women I ever knew. Her home was always
the home of preachers, and she was always ready to do all in her power to
make everybody happy, and especially was always trying to help in every
way she could to both entertain and give her means to those who preach the
word of God.
Many times has she fixed for them even when she just thought maybe
they would come. I have spent many happy hours in their good home. She
always managed her boys the best I ever saw any mother. She could get
them to one side and talk to them privately and everything worked like clock
work. I never heard an unkind word in that home and I have been hundreds of
times. Her and brother Jones always seemed to be
perfectly agreed on every-
thing; always bring out the Bible and have prayer before retiring at night. She
was expecting her death in the near future, and had arranged everything even
to those who were to dress her, and preach the funeral and everything. She
was much interested about her two sons, Henry and Charley, who were not
Christians. She dreamed one night that Henry was saved, but woke and found
it was not true; so she called all to the bed and asked them to meet
her in heaven, and they all promised to meet her. She grew very weak, so
much so she could not talk to be heard scarcely at all, but she would smile
and point toward heaven and make signs that she was alright. But we all
know by her past life that she was alright. Her children were as good a set
of children as I ever saw, and all of them were attentive to their mother.
Brother Jones was a noble, good husband, and but for the special care
that was given her by her husband and children she would have been dead
years ago. We will miss her so much in both her home and the church. She
was one of the few women that gave all her Sunday eggs to her pastor. I
know when I go to this home I will miss her so bad, but we all mourn, but
not as those who have no hope, for we know where to find her. She is with
Jesus and we soon will go. This is three noble, good members we have lost
in about six weeks. May God fill her place in the church.
Boys, (Hailey,
Charley, and Henry) you all are so lonely I know to know that your good
mother is gone, but her admonition will linger with you still. Ever remember
her kind words and do your best and you will get to meet mother again.
Hailey, I know you are ready to meet her. Daughter, I know you will miss
her so bad in the home, but you will see her again. Brother Luther, I know
the world looks dark to you and you are more lonely
than they for the one
jewel of your life is gone, but remember that the Lord will help you and it
will
not be long till you will meet her again.
She died December 17, 1921, at age 62 years and seven months. She
leaves one brother, three boys and one girl, a husband and a host of relatives
and friends to mourn the loss.
Her funeral was conducted at Defeated Creek in the presence of a large
crowd of people. Everybody wept bitter tears. Brother G.F.M. Russell was
the undertaker and performed his duty well. Her pastor conducted the funeral,
being assisted by Elds. T.W.
Matthews and H.C. Oldham. After the funeral
she was laid to rest in the Thomas graveyard at Difficult,
FOR THE CHILDREN.
My dearest friend is gone,
Oh, mother it is you;
We miss you in our homes,
We know not what to do.
But when all of life is over
We are going to come to you.
FOR THE HUSBAND.
Dear wife I am lonely here,
I can only pray and wait,
When Jesus calls there,
I will meet you at the gate.
Written by her unworthy pastor, C.B. MASSEY
Transcriber's note:
Mrs. Gillie Jones is buried with her husband Luther and son Charlie L. Jones in the Williams cemetery in Difficult. Perhaps at that time it was called the Thomas cemetery. I have seen their graves & the grave of Luther's second wife Mary.
Gillie and Luther Jones’
unnamed daughter was MARY JANE
"MAMIE" JONES, b. November 13, 1886, Smith County, Tennessee; d.
March 10, 1927, Difficult, Smith County, Tennessee; m. ZOLLIE O. HACKETT, October 18, 1903,