Mrs. Queen Iola "Norma Jean" Jones

On Tuesday, September 11, 1928, a beautiful girl was born to A.J. and Melzena Davis. She gained her heavenly crown on a Friday, September 19, 2025. She was affectionately known as “Queen Iola” and “Norma Jean.” Queen Iola joined New Bethel M.B. Church during her younger years and later joined Pleasant Hill U.M. Church, where she remained faithful until her health began to fail. She was a member of the senior choir and often enjoyed singing hymns and caring for children from all over. Queen Iola worked at Maben Elementary School until she became a caretaker. She maintained her kindness, grace, compassion, appreciation of beauty, love of family and friends, and expressed gratitude for her long life, full of wonderful and varied experiences. Queen Iola always knew she wanted to someday raise a family of her own. When she was introduced to Willie Lee (Will) by a family friend, she knew she had met the person with whom she would build a family. She and her “Willee” were married June 23, 1955; they maintained a loving and supportive marriage of almost 50 years until his passing on June 23, 2001. Together, they raised 5 children: James Easter, John, Melvin, Danny, and Rose. Queen Iola went to Starkville Manor in 2008 for therapy and decided to stay and remained there until she departed her life. She served on the council and was Ms. Starkville Manor numerous times. She enjoyed singing and taking care of other residents. She was the doorkeeper at Starkville Manor, and *465 became her main number to let people out the door. Her beautiful life will be forever cherished in the lives of her family and friends: her loving daughter, Rose (Robert); grandchildren: Ralecia (Ray), Franco (Michelle), Kelvin (Lisa), Jameka (Willie), Danielle, James (Tasha), Eric (Martha), Aleah (Laclarence), Alana (Stevenson), Dynesha (Quez), Akeah (Timothy), Markell, Tina, Robin, Mae, and Angie(Chris); 42 great-grandchildren; and 23 great-great-grandchildren. Her presence will be truly missed by her sisters: Rebber Townsend of Chicago, IL, and Fannie Burchfield of Mantee, MS, and sister-in-law Bertha Davis of Drew, MS; and a host of family and friends. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Willie Lee; parents: A.J. and Melzena Davis; sons: James Easter, John Willie, Melvin Louis, and Danny Ray; siblings: John Davis, W.A. Davis, Earnest Davis, Hezzie Mays, and Earlie Mays. Repast Pheba Community Center 8760 MS-50 W. Pheba, MS 39755 Active Pallbearers Family and Friends Flower Bearers Family and Friends Interment Pleasant Hill Cemetery

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Mrs. Queen Iola "Norma Jean" Jones

September 11, 1928 - September 19, 2025