Teresa Jones

Teresa Jones peacefully passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at 4:05 a.m. after a long-term illness at BWH/Dana Farber Cancer Institute, right by the side of her lifelong partner & fiancé, Ernest Best who provided unwavering support throughout her battle.  Teresa Jones, affectionately known as “Terri”, was born in Greensboro, North Carolina on May 4, 1955, to the late Ruth Sherman and Juke Jones. In 1967 with her family, she moved to Boston, Massachusetts. Teresa was born with a deeply embedded strength and resolve that can only be attributed as a gift from God, that she daily exhibited during her lengthy hospital stay.

Teresa The Mother 

Teresa was a successful mother, as is obvious by her incredible and successful offspring. Eric who was born on New Years' Day in 1973, and Meka born on May 10, 1974. Both attended college. Eric went to Wentworth Institute of Technology, which is second only to MIT and "aced" his studies in the very first year when he was discouraged from applying to the school at all. He is now married man to his beautiful wife Tamarah and together they have 4 children. Teresa’s second child Meka attended Wheelock College for teaching and graduated with an A average. She was blessed with 6 children and a beautiful home with her lifelong partner and fiancé, Jazell Robinson.

Teresa The Grandmother

Teresa was a dedicated grandmother who gave more than what was needed to give, and gladly gave to them all. She thought about giving to her grandchildren before thinking about her own needs. When they asked her for something, she found it extremely difficult to tell them no. Recently, one of her youngest granddaughters, J'Marah acknowledged it and said, "Nana, you know you can say no sometimes!" Teresa was extremely proud of all her grandchildren who are at different stages in their lives, and all their accomplishments were nonetheless loved and appreciated by her. Teresa/Nana would say, "What's not to be proud of?"

Teresa The Trailblazer 

In the 1970's at the young age of 21, Teresa was chosen to be one of the first Black women for a leadership position at "Colonial Meat Provision," creator of the Boston Red Sox Fenway Franks. She served the country, but not in the military, however, the results were just as significant, if not more. Her unwavering support for a school called the A-AMen (African-American Men's) Project, a nationally and internationally recognized program, was invaluable. Her unwavering support was given in several ways; wherever and whenever it was needed; even after hours. One third of the school's constituents were formerly incarcerated men, and within the first 5 years, not even one of those students ever returned to prison. Successfully keeping our men out of prison, year after year, is undoubtedly true service to the country! 

Through her firm faith in God, the family made plans for her return home this month. Teresa was to begin the process of starting a program for young Black single mothers, and young women who never had children, and to show them how to make the kinds of decisions that will allow them to not "put the cart before the horse." 

Teresa leaves to cherish her memories, lifelong partner and fiancé, Ernest Best, her two children, Eric Jones (Tamarah), Meka Jones (Jazell), her 10 grandchildren, Eric Jr., Thomas, Alexia, Tanejah, Jaliyah, Jakiyah, J’Marah, Jazell (Manny), Jamari and late Kwan-Daichia. Her siblings, James & Carol and the late Charles, Patricia, Marvin & Gus and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

This event will be live streamed. Link is below, PASSWORD: TJones

https://dfci.zoom.us/j/92132384433?pwd=1gYMLnmLSheAJDHaiI0R0GbzwJG1E2.1

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