Elois Lesteen Jones

Elois Lesteen Jones was born on February 15, 1946. She led an extraordinary life that was filled with love, passion, class and grace. From her early years as a young girl attending school to her career with the County of Los Angeles and her role as a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and First Lady of the New Commandment MBC, she left a lasting Impact and legacy on all of those who had the pleasure and privilege of knowing her. 

EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION:

Elois Jones was born to John Ozie and Ida B. Gibson in a little town called Sunflower, Mississippi. She was the sixth child of nine brothers and sisters. During her early children, Elois' family migrated to East St. Louis, Illinois. She was known as "Lesteen" during her childhood years. The children all attended public school. Elois' family home was loving, very active, and a lively environment in which all the kids thrived. They had many relatives, uncles, aunts, cousins, family and friends. The family was always engaged in helping others and being part of the church and community. In East St. Louis, her educational journey took her through George Washington Elementary and Rock Middle School. Her family united with Shining Light Baptist Church under the pastorage of Rev. J.W. Holbrook. After a fiery revival and one week on the mourner's bench, Elois received Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at the age of ten years old. From a young age, she displayed a vibrant spirit, a kind heart, and a natural ability to bring joy to those around her. Whether it was Elois' infectious laughter, beautiful smile, caring nature, or ability to turn any moment into a cherished memory, Elois was a gift to all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

In the early sixties, the family had grown weary of the harsh winters and decided to migrate to sunny Los Angeles, California. The family joined Zion Baptist church under Dr. C. Albert Henson. She was very active in the church ministry and worked as the church clerk. She attended Jefferson High School. There she received her education, excelled academically, and built lifelong friendships. She graduated from Jefferson High School in 1964 with honors. As a hardworking and ambitious individual, she attended Sawyer Business College in Santa Monica. Elois pursued a career in Business and Secretarial studies. She earned a Certificate of Achievement in Stenography and Business Studies. She also attended Compton Community College and obtained her associate's degree. 

FAMILY AND PERSONAL LIFE:

In 1965, Elois was blessed with a beautiful baby girl, Yolanda, who was her pride and joy. She and her daughter were blessed with a very special mother-daughter bond. In 1975, she met and married her life-long love, Rev. Grady Jones, and was blessed with her amazing son, William. Elois and her son always shared a very close and loving relationship until his passing last year. Elois was a very loving, supportive, and kind wife and mother. She put her family above all. She was known to many as "Mama Lois." Elois and her husband Grady built an amazing family life that they truly loved. They were committed to marriage for 50 years and set a godly example for their children, family, and the church body. Elois' greatest joy in life was her family. Her role as mother extended well beyond her immediate family, as she embraced her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren and special daughters that she adopted. She also loved her siblings dearly and kept in close contact with them daily. She loved her family and loved them well! Mama Lois was known to keep track of everyone all at the same time. She would go above and beyond to help her family in any way that she could. 

CAREER AND CONTRIBUTIONS:

Once she completed her education, she landed her first secretarial job at Farmers Insurance in Beverly Hills, where her dedication and passion left a lasting impact on colleagues and clients alike. She then became employed by the County of Los Angeles, where she worked primarily in the Health Department in various progressive positions and she was promoted several times. Elois' final position was at the Watts Health Center. She retired as an Administrative Secretary in 2004 after 39 years of dedicated service. She was deeply committed to her work, always striving to make a difference and leave a positive impact on all of the patients, clinics, and departments that she served. She made many lifelong friendships that are still in place today. She happily retired to care for her grandchildren. She joyfully and willfully cared for them daily. School pickups and drop-offs were her specialty. Mama Lois enjoyed spending time with them and pouring into their lives. After her last grandchild started college, she decided to return to work. She was employed by the Dominguez Hills Dental Group where she worked as the Front Office Receptionist for seven years until her illness in June 2025. During her time there, she became an integral part of the practice. Elois really endeared herself into the hearts of the patients and her colleagues. Patients would come to visit her even when they did not have a dental appointment. 

LIFE AS A FIRST LADY:

Beyond her professional achievements, Elois was the epitome of a Proverbs 31 woman. She wore many hats and had many passions, talents, and abilities. Her love for God extended to everything that she touched. When her husband founded the New Commandment Missionary Baptist Church in 1981, she embraced the role of First Lady. Sis. Jones worked tirelessly beside her husband to build and sustain the church for 44 years. She preferred to be in the background and never wanted to take center stage. She was a powerful support for her husband, Pastor Grady Jones. Sis. Jones was the catalyst for many of the programs, services, and ministries held at the church, which greatly contributed to the growth of the church. 

Sis. Jones loved God, His Word, and His people. She deeply endeared herself in the hearts of the members and loved the church with all of her heart. She found joy in working for the Lord and did His work until her very last day. She was a great encourager to all who came into her presence. The versatility in her roles spanned from church clerk, Sunday School teacher, and Children's Church teacher, and choir member. She spent countless hours coordinating events, creating programs, and planning the Health Fair and Christmas Day Toy Drive. She also orchestrated and coordinated Women's Day and Family Day services. She faithfully attended Wednesday night bible studies, Sunday School, Ladies of Faith bible studies, and Women's Fellowship meetings and outings. She also had many resources and community connections for outreach programs. As a Proverb 31 woman, she was industrious, capable, wise, and strong. 

INTERESTS AND ACTIVITIES:

Elois' interests and activities included shopping, church services, and going out with her friends and family. She loved a big family dinner that always ended with a competitive game of Scrabble. She loved family game nights and played whenever she could. She embraced every experience with enthusiasm, laughter, and love. More than anything, Elois was devoted to her family and friends. She cherished her relationships and was a source of strength, laughter, and unwavering support to those who needed her. Her love for her husband, daughter, son, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins knew no bounds. She took great pride in being a loyal wife, grandmother, sister, and friend. 

LEGACY AND REMEMBRANCE:

While at home, Elois peacefully transitioned from this life on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 7:05 PM, joining her son, Reverend William Jones, her mother, Ida Gibson, her father, John O. Gibson, her dear sisters, Patricia Gibson, Eleanor Williams, Doris Strickland, and Ruth Gix, and her baby brother, Terrance Gibson. Although she was preceded in death by the above family members, we take comfort in knowing they welcomed her with open arms. Though the pain of her loss is overwhelming, we find solace in the memories she left behind. 

Mama Lois was so grateful for the care and love that surrounded her during her brief illness, especially from her husband, daughter, and son-in-law; Grandsons: Cam, Corey, and DJ; Sister, Betty, nieces Keesha, Keianna, and Ashley, and nephews Art, Tim, and Chris. 

The legacy of Elois Jones is remembered and lived through the lives of her husband, Pastor Grady Jones of Paramount, CA, her daughter, Yolanda Duncan, and her son-in-law, Dr. Anthony Duncan of Paramount, CA. Her daugher-in-law, April Jones of La Palma, CA, and daughter-in-love Moneisha Perkins of Houston, TX. Her grandchildren, Eneshia Love of Las Vegas, NV, Jaquese Jones of Houston, TX, Ashley Giacherio (Jordan) of Portland, OR, Cameron Bell (Lacy) of Albuquerque, NM, Tyler Duncan (Madison) of Carlsbad, CA. Corey Bell of Paramount, CA, Brandon Michael Jones of La Palma, CA, Alaiah Jones of Los Angeles, CA, and Dennis King, Jr. of Paramount, CA. Her great-grandchildren: Jameson and Jaylen Giacherio of Portland, OR, and Brealle Ayah Bell of Albuquerque, NM. Her sister: Betty Rice of Rosewood, CA, and her brothers: Elder Thomas Earl Gibson of Victoria, TX, and Aaron Gibson of Los Angeles, CA. Brother-in-law - Arthur Williams of Downey, CA. Brother-in-law Loyd Jones and sister-in-law, Veronica Jones of Carson, CA. Herman Jones of Little Rock, Arkansas. Sister-in-law - Shirley Jones of Los Angeles, CA. Godson: Timothy Williams. Goddaughters: Stephanie Martin-Velez and Taylor Sanders. Special neighbor and friends, Renee and Richard Bell. Adopted Family, Willie, Toni, Shayla, and Ava Brown, Danielle Rufai, and family. Also, a host of numerous other relatives, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and her New Commandment Church Family. 

She fought a good fight, kept her faith, finished her course, and now has received her crown in glory. 

Her kind, sweet spirit will live on in the hearts of all whose paths she crossed. She was grateful for the life she lived and the blessings that God had bestowed upon her. Elois said in her final days....."I've had a full and wonderful life. God has truly blessed me; I have no regrets. Tell all of those that I loved and cared for that I love them and am so grateful for all that they did for me. I was so blessed to have them in my life. All I can say is.....to God be the glory for all that He has done and continues to do!"