Mary Ruth Nance Jones was born on November 28, 1935, to the late Mary Elizabeth Ford and John Coles in Farmville, Virginia. To this union, 11 children were born. Five girls - Mary Nance, Nannie Nance, Patsy Nance, Barbara Nance, and Gloria Morton, and four boys - Rupert, Russell, Henry, and Paul.

Mary was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Prospect, Virginia and was baptized at the age of 9. She attended Five Forks Elementary School for grades 1 through 6; First Rock Elementary for grades 7 through 8; and Robert R. Moton High school, a public school for black students, for grades 9 through 12. She graduated from elementary and middle school as the salutatorian ranking as the second highest student. She would have graduated with honors as the Valedictorian in High School, had it not been for a student-led protest which became a part of the historic Brown v. Board of Education case. Rather than comply with the Supreme Court's desegregation ruling, officials in Prince Edward County, Virginia, closed all their public schools in 1959, resulting in the school being closed for five years.

Mary married Wales Trent, Sr. on May 8, 1955, and moved to Buffalo, New York in December 1955. To this union three children were born; Wales Trent, Jr., Deborah Trent, and Joseph Trent. Wales Sr. preceded her in death.

Mary married Earnest Jones, Sr. on August 28, 1966; to this union three children were born, Douglas Trent, Beverly Trent, and Jeffrey Jones. Earnest Sr. preceded Mary in death.

From these unions, Mary had a total of 12 children and 43 grandchildren.

In the late 60's, Mary Joined Mt. Aarat Baptist Church on 971 Jefferson Street. She had a great work history over the years and demonstrated a strong work ethic. She worked for Service Systems and Custom Cleaning Company part-time from 1966 to 1974. She worked at St. Lukes Presbyterian Nursing Center as an Assistant Housekeeper and Laundry Supervisor. She worked at St. Lukes Nursing home from January 1974 to October 1999 when she retired.

Mary was preceded in death by three of her children, Deborah Trent, Wales Trent ]r., Joseph Trent, and by three of her stepchildren, Ernest Jones, Jr., Ethel Mae Ridgeway, and Milton E. Jones. Mary was preceded in death by three of her brothers, Russell Nance, Henry Nance, and Paul Nance.

She leaves to cherish her memories, one daughter, Beverly East (Jeffrey), and two sons, Douglas Trent (Chantel) and Jeffrey Jones, four stepchildren David Jones, Loretta Denise Jones, and Catherine Barnes, and Regina Webb. Three sisters Nannie Nance, Patsy Nance, and Barbara Terry, and one brother Rupert Nance, and a host of great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Mary was the kind of person whose warmth could light up a room, whose laughter could ease a heavy day,and whose quiet strength uplifted those around her. She lived her life anchored in love-love for her family, her community, and the simple, meaningful moments that made each day special.

Mary was a loving mother who adored her children and grandchildren. Her greatest joy was loving on her children and grandchildren. She was proud of their achievements and accomplishments, She was a a steady presence, a kind ear, and a wise voice to all who reached out to her in a time of need.

Mary led by example and knew what it means to be present, to be kind, and to lead with the heart. Her absence leaves a void that can never be filled, but her legacy, spirit, her kindness, and wise counsel will never be forgotten. Her love and laugh will live on in all who were fortunate to know her.

Rest in peace Mary. You were deeply loved, and you will never be forgotten.

Relatives and friends may visit the Saint's Home COGIC 323 Winspear Ave, Buffalo, NY 14215 on Friday June 12 from 10-11 AM where a Homegoing Service will immediately follow at 11 o'clock.