Janice Jones Abdullah

Janice Jones Abdullah, daughter of Dorothy T. and the late Eddie Jones, was born on March 14, 1945 in Baltimore, Maryland at Johns Hopkins University Hospital. She departed this life on
May 10, 2016 after a lengthy illness. As a child, Janice attended and was baptized at New Shiloh Baptist Church. She later became a member of St. Cecilia's Catholic Church and St. Ambrose Catholic Church. Her unwavering faith guided her through both good and bad times. Following a recent illness, her courageous battle yielded way to her spiritual and physical healing and she passed peacefully to be with our savior Jesus Christ.

Janice received her education in the Baltimore City Public School System and graduated from
Paul Laurence Dunbar Senior High School in 1963. She was very active in school and was a
cheerleader and artist. Many lifelong friendships were forged in school, and in her neighborhood
in East Baltimore. Janice was always willing and able to lend a helping hand to others. Even at a
young age, she eagerly took on the responsibility of looking after her younger siblings as her
parents worked. Janice's industrious spirit was also sparked at a young age as she spent a summer
working in New York City. Janice worked for many years as a Claims Processor for the Social
Security Administration. Janice furthered her post-secondary education by attending both
Baltimore City Community College and Morgan State College.

Janice married Jerome J. Matthews Jr. in 1968 and out of this union two children were born,
Keith and Tiany. Long after the marriage dissolved, Janice maintained very close and lasting relationships with her in-laws. In 1998, Janice married the late Iran Abdullah. Janice devoted her life to caring for her children, ensuring that they had "the best of everything" including a Catholic school education. She explored a variety of elds, always determined to make a better life for her family. Even while working her full time job, Janice continually found opportunities to earn extra money. Janice worked as a part-time secretary and records keeper for a number of well-known local businesses, including 32nd Street Plaza and Mano Swartz Furs. Janice returned to school and received her Geriatric Nursing Assistant certication. She worked as a GNA for many years, providing loving care and specialized attention to countless patients. Janice was also immensely creative and crafted ceramic treasures that many still cherish and proudly display in their homes. She enjoyed writing stories and poetry, shopping, collecting knick-knacks and traveling. Janice always took great care in her appearance and loved to dress in coordinated outts complete with matching shoes and accessories.

Janice made numerous friends wherever she went. Her personality was electric, her spirit feisty,
her laugh infectious, her style bold, and her heart kind. Janice was the type of person to take on a cause, even on someone else's behalf. She routinely wrote letters of concern to politicians or public gures to "right a wrong" in some way. Janice was blessed to have more lifelong and close
relationships than the average person. She was a social buttery and made close connections with
her children's friends, neighbors, coworkers, in-laws and everyone she met. If she knew you well
enough, you were probably given an aectionate nickname. Janice had an especially close bond
with her granddaughters. She will be sincerely missed by everyone who knew her. Janice was
always a true friend and devoted mother.

Preceding her in death include her father Eddie Jones and three brothers LaMont Jones, Milton
Jones, and Charles Jones. She leaves to mourn: one son, Keith Matthews (Dawn); one daughter,
Tiany Matthews-Washington; mother, Dorothy T. Jones; two sisters, Bernita Booker and Anita
Moore; one brother: Michael Jones; five grandchildren, Daisha, Kayla and Morgan Washington; Kellen and Kyle Matthews; and a host of other relatives and friends.