Elizabeth Ann (Helm) Jones

Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Jones, aka “Baby Ann”, the daughter of George Helm and Martha E. Offutt, was born on July 21, 1944 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. She was raised in a small historical African American community known as “Shakerag”. She attended State Street and High Street School, and was active in the school and church choir, cheerleading squad and willingly assisted senior citizens in the community-in spite of her own limited resources as a teenager. Elizabeth lost her mother at the age of eleven, whom she was very close to. She adjusted to her growth into adulthood under the watchful eyes of her father, five brothers and sister-in-law, Alene Caulfield. She is still loved and remembered by numerous friends and relatives in Bowling Green, in spite of living most of her adult life in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Elizabeth professed her faith in Christ at an early age and became a member of the Third Street Church of Christ in Bowling Green and later joined Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana under the leadership of Pastor Arthur Johnson. She was an active and faithful member in her church until losing her sight in the mid-1990’s and is still known today for playing her tambourine and singing praises unto God.

As a young mother, with her baby daughter, Travantha Miller aka “Tootsie”, Elizabeth migrated to Indianapolis, Indiana in the late 1960’s, where she lived for a time with her cousin, Minnie Lockhart and her sister, Lauretta Marion. Following the examples of these two relatives she was able to develop her culinary skills and had a successful career in the food service industry.

In 1969 Elizabeth met and married Ernest Jones. This union produced three more children: Patrick Jones, Kendra Jones (deceased) and Beverly Averitte Williams.

Elizabeth loved to sing and was a founding member of the phenomenal female quartet group called the Christianaires. This quartet group was well known across the United States and a favorite here in the city of Indianapolis. She also loved to sew and used her sewing skills to create several dresses and uniforms for her children, local singing groups, as well as friends and other family members. In the continued pursuit of her love for music she later became a member of the Keys of Harmony and enjoyed several more years of ministering in song throughout the city and surrounding states.

She loved to bowl, and her excellence was rewarded with several trophies and championship honors while participating in several leagues throughout the city.

Elizabeth lost her sight in 1999 at which time her youngest daughter, Beverly became her primary caregiver and partner in crime. Our family is very grateful for the faithful dedication and care that she provided for more than 20 years. Doctor appointments, hospital and emergency room visits, taking her to church, funerals, cookouts and keeping her involved and connected with family and friends. Well done baby sister, WELL DONE!

Elizabeth Ann Jones departed this life on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at the age of 76. She was escorted in by her family, who prayed and sang as she walked through those pearly gates and stepped onto those streets of gold. Although she will be missed down here on earth, she will be greeted by a host of family members who have already made it in and will have a lot to tell them of the many blessings that God has bestowed upon our family. And will thank them one by one for watching over us all from above and interceding in heaven on behalf of us all.

As she lays to rest, MAMA will be joining our sister, Kendra Earnise Jones; her mother and father, George and Martha (Offutt) Helm; three siblings: Bobby Caulfield, Lawrence Helm and Lauretta (Cowherd) Marion; and grandson, Alvin Mixon Jr.

Leaving to honor her in life and legacy are her children: Travantha Miller (Charles), Patrick Jones, Beverly Averitte Williams, Lisa Cosby, Carol Teague (Shawn) and Andre Jones Melody; grandchildren: Christopher Miller (Crystal), Jeremy Mixon, Alvin Mixon Jr., Camille Miller, Bianca Mixon, Antoinette Averitte, Anthony Averitte Jr., Antoine Averitte, Jordan Hoosier (Faith), Anna Jones, Nyjah Jones, Naomi Jones, Thundra Teague, Jeffery Teague, Marquis Teague, Terrell Teague and Eugene Cox; great-grandchildren: Malcom, Neveah, Ava, Bailey, Coy, Amari and Mooka; brothers: Earl Pearson (Esther), Finley Helm (Barbara) and George Helm (Marlene); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.