Kelly E. Jones

Kelly Elyse Jones July 31, 1967 – August 20, 2026 Kelly Elyse Jones was born on July 31, 1967, to Ella Alston (Guy) and the late Calvin Alston. On August 20, 2026, Kelly transitioned from this life, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of love, faith, family, and devotion that will live on through every person blessed enough to have known her. Kelly was a proud graduate of Osborn High School Class of 1985. She gave her life to Christ at a young age, and her faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation throughout her life. As the years passed, she became an influential member of her church and remained steadfast in her belief in Christ. Her faith guided the way she loved, served, gave, and cared for others. At the very heart of Kelly’s life was an extraordinary love story. Kelly and Samuel “Sam” Jones were teenage sweethearts, beginning their journey together when Kelly was just 14 years old. What began as young love grew into a lifelong partnership. On July 13, 1991, Kelly and Sam became husband and wife, and from that day forward, they continued building a life centered around love, family, friendship, and togetherness. Kelly and Sam were truly inseparable. He was not simply her husband; he was her best friend, her partner, her companion, and the love of her life. Whether they were traveling the world, enjoying the summer on their beautiful boat—with Kelly proudly serving as First Mate—or simply spending time together at home, they genuinely enjoyed life together. Their love stood the test of time, from teenagers with their whole lives ahead of them to husband and wife, parents and grandparents. Sam remained by Kelly’s side, loving her faithfully, until she took her very last breath. Their love was the kind of love that became part of the fabric of the entire family and will forever be one of the greatest chapters of Kelly’s story. Together, Kelly and Sam created what Kelly treasured above everything else: God and their family. Kelly was the devoted mother of Kristin Turpin (Andre), Brandy Jones, Deven Jones (Brittany) and, Giovanni Jones. Being a mother was one of her greatest callings, and she embodied motherhood in every sense of the word. She loved fiercely, protected, encouraged, supported, celebrated, and showed up. Her children knew they had a mother whose love had no limits. And then came a title Kelly wore with tremendous pride: Mimi. Her grandchildren—Bryce Roberts, Kinsley Jones, Grace Turpin, Noah Jones, and Cannon Jones—were affectionately known as “Mimi’s babies.” There was nothing small about the love Mimi had for her babies. She cherished spending time with them, making memories, loving on them, spoiling them, and simply being present in their lives. Each of them held a special place in her heart, and the bond they shared with their Mimi will remain with them for a lifetime. Kelly shared a deep bond with her mother, Ella Guy, and loved her brother, Damon Alston, dearly. Kelly’s career rooted in service and dedication to the automotive labor movement. For more than 25 years, Kelly served as a Secretary with UAW Local 140, where she became a familiar and respected presence to countless members and colleagues. Ready to broaden her experience and continue growing professionally, Kelly later joined UAW International, where she served as a bookkeeper. In July of 2026, Kelly reached another proud milestone when she was elected Trustee of OPEIU Local 494. Kelly knew how to enjoy life. She loved traveling the world, shopping—of course, dancing, and spending endless amounts of time with her family and grandchildren. Summers brought another one of her favorite pleasures: being out on the water with Sam, enjoying their boat and proudly taking her place as his First Mate. And if you were fortunate enough to sit at Kelly’s table, you already knew she could cook. Among the many dishes her family will forever miss are her unforgettable banana pudding and peach cobbler—family favorites that simply won’t taste the same without her touch. Kelly had a way of making life fuller. She loved deeply, laughed, danced, traveled, worked hard, served faithfully, cooked with love, and made memories everywhere she went. She was a devoted wife, an exceptional mother, an adoring Mimi, a loving daughter and sister, a woman of faith, and a treasured friend and colleague. Kelly leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband and lifelong love, Samuel “Sam” Jones; her children, Kristin Turpin (Andre), Brandy Jones, Deven Jones (Brittany), and Giovanni Jones; her beloved “Mimi’s babies,” Bryce Roberts, Kinsley Jones, Grace Turpin, Noah Jones, and Cannon Jones; her mother and Stepfather, Ella and John Guy; her cherished brother, Damon Alston; and a host of extended family members, friends, church family, union brothers and sisters, colleagues, and loved ones whose lives were made better simply because Kelly was part of them. She was preceded in death by her father, Calvin Alston and her grandmother, Ella Mae Brown. Kelly’s physical presence will be deeply missed, but the love she created did not leave with her. It remains in Sam, in the children they raised, in Mimi’s babies, in the family she held so close, and in every memory made at work, on the dance floor, during family gatherings, across their travels, and on summer days spent on the water. Kelly loved her family with her whole heart, and she was loved just as deeply in return. Her life was beautiful. Her love was extraordinary. Her faith was steadfast. And her legacy will live on forever.

Kelly E. Jones

July 31, 1967 - August 20, 2026