Patricia Diane Jones, 70

Patricia Diane Jones, age 70, departed this life peacefully on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. A Celebration of Life was held Monday, June 23, at 12 p.m. at Cotton Funeral Service in Newark, NJ.

Patricia was born January 5, 1955, in Swainsboro, to the late Sellars, Sr. and Thelma Jones. She attended Emanuel County Schools where she participated in and led various student organizations, as well as being an honor student and a vital basketball player and track team member. After graduation, Patricia attended UGA and pursued a career in nursing. She was a member of St. James Missionary Baptist Church and a faithful supported of the Words of Power Prayer Line Ministries. Patricia was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She touched the lives of many with a heart full of generosity, candor, wisdom and un-wavering faith. Mrs. Jones is preceded in death by her parents; son, Hiawatha Kings; and brother, Sellars Jones, Jr.

Mrs. Jones leaves to cherish her memories with her loving husband, Willie Smith of Irvington, NJ; daughter, Shakeema Jones (Kal) of Carteret, NJ; stepdaughter, Natalie Smith of Belleville, NJ; grandchildren, Xavier King and Ishmael King of Sacramento, CA, Raekwon Smith of Belle-ville, NJ, Danylah Jones and Patricia Wilkins of Carteret, NJ; sisters, Mary Mitchell of Jackson, NJ, Glenda Whithead of Swainsboro and Wylene Martin (Marcus) of Houston, TX; brothers, Meredith Jones (Dorothy) of Swainsboro and Waitus Jones of Atlanta; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in knowing Patricia is now resting in eternal peace. Her legacy of love, strength and faith will forever remain in our hearts.

Cotton Funeral Service was in charge of arrangements.