Leiah Danielle Jones

Order of Service ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ I, Leiah Danielle Jones, was born on September 22, 1987, in Charlotte, North Carolina to Eric Arnell Jones and Joyce Bost Jones. Waiting (patiently) at home was my elder and only brother, Jonathan Philemon Jones. I departed from my temporary home on March 12, 2021, surrounded by my family. I am waiting for Christ’s return. I was thirty-three and a half (33 1/2) years young. I died due to complications from COVID-19, which none of us knew existed one and a half years ago (2019). I, along with others like me, are termed “long haulers.” The term “long hauler” means a person who has been infected by the virus and has recovered. No longer infectious; however, the damage had been done to vital organs. *A YouTube video, on this site, will inform you more explicitly the extent of this virus. Unfortunately, those like me may or may not survive the aftermath. I, hopefully, am in the minority of those numbers. I would love for as many as can to watch the video, and please pray and support the “long haulers”. What can I say, “But to God be the glory, great things He has done,” even in my “short life.” He gave me qualities of compassion, generosity, boundless energy, knowledge, and determination (aka, stubbornness), which my mom would say of me. If you met me, you would have never forgotten that “Jones Girl.” I loved to cook, Dad’s gift to me. I had many specialties, bread making was just one. In my own way, I championed many causes; namely, a) people who were considered the undesirables, outcasts of society; b) support to families, especially the single home parent; c) children, those who were affected by the school closings, due to the pandemic; d) victims of the hurricanes, wildfires, national and international. My mom would accuse me of disaster hunting, seeing all the good others were doing in saving lives, Mercy Ships St. Jude Children’s Research, Feed the Children Campaign—it didn’t take much. Oh, by the way, let’s not forget the poor abused animals. The gift that God entrusted with me was amazing; nursing baby kittens, helping injured ones. It amazed even me; and I always knew it was a “special” gift from Him. The most rewarding part of my life was the day I was able to take care of my mom. She had been badly injured in a lawnmower accident. Being unable to properly care for herself for months, love stepped in. Of course, she protested; stubborn woman! As my health declined and my illness progressed, I became physically hampered, somewhat, from doing my regular/daily routine. Therefore, I leaned more heavily on the help of my mom. She, on the most part, was more than willing. The few times she was not so willing, I, Leiah Danielle Jones, prevailed. I pressed on with the affairs of home and business; yes, dad dragged me in on this E. A. Jones Plumbing adventure. Life and its pull were getting the best of me by the end of last year. However, God and my family powered the best in and for me till the end. If in this life we met, I hoped our encounter left you with a lasting snapshot of a determined, sometimes complex, genuine friend. One you could talk to. If, however, we did not meet, it was my loss and I am sorry. I believed that every person, experience—good or bad—added to my life a measure of maturity. Lastly, in my own defense of my very interesting family - to you Dad, Eric Arnell Jones, you were my “Daddy,” with all your strengths and weaknesses. I would not have traded you for the world, or for another earthly father. I loved you. To you mom, Joyce Ann “Bost” Jones, we would refer to you as “brick” because of your non-compromising positions, but only when you did not agree with us. But as for your love for us never wavered (like a rock, brick). I loved you. To my dearest brother, Jonathan Philemon Jones, we had our battles, as siblings do; but when it matters, we (love) showed up. When you needed me, I came through; and when I needed you, Jonathan, you showed up big time. At the end, I needed you, and you said, YES! Thank you, and I loved you. Don’t you ever, ever forget that. To the rest of my family (uncles, aunts, cousins) and friends, I hope my life has left you with an endearing and lasting “picture frame” of someone who lived life her way. I loved you. May the grace of God and His marvelous love, and in His power sustain you forever. With all my love, Leiah. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please be mindful of the COVID-19 Pandemic, we would like for you to observe the CDC protocols and please refrain from hugging and touching. -The Family Those that would like to travel in the procession to the cemetery should meet at Alexander Funeral Home no later than 10:00 AM on Friday, March 19th, 2021. *For more information on "long-haulers," please watch this video: 60 Minutes, "Post-acute COVID-19 Syndrome"