Vera Mae (Jones) Richardson

Vera Mae “Nana” Jones Richardson
My Story…
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Jeremiah 29:11

Today family and friends, I say see you later for now. My story began on May 1, 1952. It was a sunny
Thursday on Jones’ Bayou. I was welcomed by Muh, who was my mother, Mrs. Alma Jones and the
most important person in my life ever my dad, Mr. J.W. Jones, Sr. I was welcomed by seven older
siblings, one boy and six girls and later came six more younger siblings, four boys and two girls, but I
will let them tell their story.

I have always followed my own path by doing what I liked. If it made me happy, I did it. I loved life,
and I loved it hard. I faced challenges along the way, but I knew God didn’t leave me, and there was a
reason He stayed with me. Every day wasn’t good, but I knew “who I was” and “whose I was”.

Life brings many joys, and I experienced three of life’s biggest joys in the form of being a mother to
three amazing children. My oldest Darryl preceded me in the death. As a result, I spent the last thirty
years missing him, and all the things that made him unique. Next, I was blessed with my only
daughter, a mini me, Tamala. We were similar in many ways, some good and others maybe not so
good. During the last years of my life, she and her husband, Stacy took me into their home and cared
for me only as a family could do or would do. Those times with her made life more bearable. Finally, I
had my baby, Derrick. He had my heart from day one to the last one and even beyond eternity. My
love for my children will never die. They gave me extensions of themselves in the form of five
grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Of course, you know I am not going to forget about my
nieces and nephews who loved to call me “Nana”. Nana was the name I chose for them and my
grands to call me because I wanted a name that expressed my love and care for each of them. To my
siblings, I have many fond memories of you all, for those who are left behind stay strong and
remember this is not a mistake.

Today I leave a legacy of love to my daughter, Tamala {Stacy} Brown, my baby boy Derrick
Richardson, my grands Chauntavius Little, Jontae Richardson, Ariel Richardson, Kierra Burns, Karter
Richardson and eight great grandchildren. My siblings left behind are J.W. Jones, Jr., Dorothy
(Mason) Marshall, Cynthia Crockett, Richard (Patricia) Jones, Jacquelyn (J.B.) Hampton and Linda
Jones, many nieces, nephews, in laws and cousins.

My parents J.W. and Alma Jones, sisters Vamper Figures, Bernice Jones, Rachel Harper, and
Margaree Jones, brothers Danny Jones, Gregory Jones and Robert Jones, and one son Darryl
Richardson, all preceded me in death.

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead,

yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? John 11:25-26