Barbara A. Jones

“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” Proverbs 31:10

Barbara Ann Jones was one of eight beautiful children born to Harry and Dorothy P. Jackson-Blackston. Barbara was born on July 14, 1943, in Baltimore, Maryland in the Old Town Community of East Baltimore. She received her formal education in the Baltimore City Public School System.

In 1956 Barbara met her childhood sweetheart and love of her life, Paul Irvin Jones. On July 22, 1961, the two were joined in holy matrimony and became one. Their union was blessed with six beautiful children Kirk, Teresa, Kim, Audrey (who preceded her in death), Paul Jr. and LaTarsa. Barbara was a nurturing mother, and a loving and devoted wife. She was truly an example for her children to follow. Paul and “Bobbie” as she was affectionately called by family, were married for 48 years until Paul’s death on October 5, 2009.

Barbara obtained employment at the Steel and Tin Can Co. for a brief time before pursuing a career in custom framing/photo décor and photo restoration industry. She honed her craft and performed it with pride. Barbara was employed for many years with Furst Brothers Co. before later gaining employment with Blakeslee Lane. Her creativity, precision and attention to detail was impeccable. Her work can be found in some of the most prestigious institutions and landmark buildings in the area to include The White House, The Maryland State House, Baltimore City Hall, Johns Hopkins Hospital, The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore Museum of Art as well as museums abroad. She was one of the best in the industry. In 1993 Barbara decided to hang up her framing tools and retire.  After retirement she took on a new job of caring for her grandchildren, great nieces and nephews and neighborhood children.

Barbara accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at Israel Baptist Church of Baltimore City on April 3,1983, under the leadership of Pastor Harlie W. Wilson, II. That day held a special place in her heart as her youngest daughter was also baptized along with her.

A pillar of her community and an enthusiastic sports fan of her hometown teams, the Orioles and Ravens. She would loudly cheer on her #1 team, the Ravens. She never missed watching the game and decorated her home each season to represent Ravens Nation. Barbara loved her city and took great pride in where she lived. She made sure her block stayed clean, sweeping each morning and evening. Her daily cleaning would inspire others to do the same. Her neighbors simply loved her, especially the little ones who called her Grandma Jones and Granny.

Above all…family came first. She looked forward to family outings, cookouts, vacations, gatherings and celebrating holidays. Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter and the Annual Black History Soul Food gathering were her favorites. Her home was always open, and a meal was always offered. She loved to cook and bake; her Maryland Style crab soup, codfish cakes and lemon meringue pies were the best. Her home was a place where family and friends would gather, and friends became family. Barbara enjoyed spending quality time with her grandchildren, taking them to local festivals and fairs, attending their sports events, dance recitals and school activities. Barbara’s relationship with her many nieces and nephews was something special. She loved them as though they were her children. They affectionately called her Auntie, Aunt Bobbie and Aunt Bob.

Beauty, Love, Creativity and Strength were attributes to describe our beloved Barbara. She had such a beautiful soul which made Barbara easy to love and give love. She unselfishly shared her wisdom, knowledge, advice and compassion. She would tell you what you needed to hear, not what you wanted to hear. Her creativity shined through as she created paintings and artwork for her family and her strength is reflected in her life’s journey. Despite her illness she remained strong in her faith, she continued to fight, and she gave life all she could until God whispered her name.

On March 10, 2025, God saw the road was getting rough and the hills were getting harder for Barbara to climb. He gently called her home and said peace be thine. She fought a good fight, and she finished her course. (2 Timothy 4:7) She is now Resting in The Master’s Arms.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Paul I. Jones, Sr., her daughter Audrey Jones, grandson Jarrod Jones and nephew Gregory Mungo. Barbara leaves to cherish her beautiful memories; her two sons Kirk A. and Paul I. Jones; three daughters, Teresa Jones-Polston, Kim Jones and LaTarsa MacKenney; two brothers Linwood Blackston, Sr. and Joseph Blackston Sr.; one sister-in-law, Barbara Blackston; two sons-in law, Gregory MacKenney, Sr. and Westley Polston; one daughter in-law, Gabrielle Jones; seven grandchildren, Capria Smith, Grant Oliver Jones, Gregory MacKenney, Paige MacKenney, Bobby Boynton, Christopher Boynton and King Brand;four great grandsons, Bryson King, Jarrod Jones (whom she called baby Jarrod), Khyro Boynton and Darian Horton; a host of nieces and nephews whom she loved with all of her heart, a host of cousins whom she loved dearly, her long time sister/friend Rosetta McKee-Campbell, little Azelynn Jefferson and a host of friends and neighbors who loved her dearly.