Marion Jones

Marion Porter was born on March 14, 1925, in Republic, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Rose Davis Hess and Oliver Porter. Her parents left Republic, Pennsylvania to move to Kokomo, Indiana, where she lived until she was in the 5th grade. From Kokomo, Indiana, she moved to Champaign, Illinois, where Marion attended Gregory Grade School, Champaign Junior High and then Champaign Senior High. While in High School, she worked as a domestic and did baby sitting to earn lunch money.

In June 1942, Marion married Harry W. Anderson; a Serviceman who was stationed in California and when he was overseas, she went to Los Angeles to live with his aunt and uncle (Mr. and Mrs. Les Hite). Upon his return, she and Harry were stationed and lived in Topeka, Kansas for a while before returning to Champaign. (Harry W. Anderson was the first African-American to be hired by the Urbana Police Department to serve as a Policeman) Marion and Harry were divorced, and later she married Mr. John E. Jones, and to this union was born three children, Terry Jones, (deceased) Monica and Melanie. In addition Marion had a Goddaughter, Ruthie Harper. Marion had eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

As a member of the Bethel AME Church, Marion belonged to and served as a Past President of the Willing Workers Club, sending out Birthday, Get-Well and Sympathy Cards to members and serving in other capacities in her church.

Most recently Mrs Jones worked with the Concerned Citizens for a Better Neighborhood. She served as the Receptionist at the Douglass Senior Center. Marion was an Emeriti member of the Gamma Upsilon Psi Society - serving for 25 years, a member of the La Femmes Social Club which used to meet in the Original Douglass Center at Sixth Street.

Marion had a host of friends. She enjoyed traveling, bingo and crocheting. Marion Jones passed away in March 2006.