Ardella Marie Jones, née Bryant, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026, in Cedar Hill, Texas. She was a woman of remarkable grace, unwavering faith, impeccable style, and unconditional love whose warmth, strength, and joyful spirit left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She was born on September 12, 1940, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Clara Robinson and Otis Bryant.

Ardella was a loving mother, nana, aunt, and friend whose family was always at the center of her life. She lived with kindness, generosity, and quiet strength, always placing the needs of those she loved above her own. Whether through her words, her presence, or the example she set, she made those around her feel deeply loved.

Ardella truly knew how to enjoy life. She loved playing bingo, visiting the casino, dancing, listening to music, and, above all, spending time with her family. She had a personality and presence that could light up any room. Whether she was laughing, dancing, or enjoying time with those she loved, Ardella had a gift for making every gathering feel special. She took great pride in her appearance and was known for her tailored pantsuits, perfectly coordinated jewelry, flawless hair and makeup, and dress shoes-never sneakers. Her style was unmistakably her own.

Early in her career, Ardella was a bank manager at Cleveland Trust. She used her leadership role to help several friends and family members begin their own careers there as well, taking pride in opening doors and creating opportunities for those she loved. She later retired from AT&T after many years of dedicated service as a manager, where she was respected for her leadership, professionalism, and commitment. Ardella was a proud Vietnam Veteran who served in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), honorably serving her country with dedication and pride. She was also a longtime member of Light of Liberty Church in Cleveland, Ohio, where her faith was an important part of her life before she made her home with her granddaughter, Kandace, in North Carolina and later in Texas.

For the last nine years of her life, Ardella was lovingly surrounded by family as she courageously navigated dementia. The bond between Ardella and Kandace was rooted in a lifetime of love, friendship, laughter, and unconditional devotion. Kandace often described her nana as her best friend, and there was no doubt that the love between them was mutual.

Ardella was preceded in death by her parents, Clara Robinson, and Otis Bryant; her sisters, Frances Robinson, and Dorothy Bigbee; her niece, Barbara Bigbee; her nephew, Walter Patrick Robinson; her husband, Eugene Jones Jr.; and her beloved Yorkie, Trouble.

Ardella leaves behind a family who will carry her memory forward in countless ways. She is survived by her daughter, Joy Jones and Joy’s fiancé Lamar Woodruff; her beloved grandchildren, Kandace Jones (Alexia Hood), and Giovanni Geno Woodruff; her cherished nieces Kayla, Savannah, and Heaven Harvey; Kayla’s husband, Christopher Harvey; her beloved niece Carrie Robinson, who shared a sister-like bond with Ardella from childhood through adulthood; and her nephew Christopher Robinson. Her laughter, elegance, generosity, wisdom, strength, and most importantly her unconditional love for her family will never be forgotten.

Ardella’s life was defined not only by the years she lived but by the people she loved and the lives she touched. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by those fortunate enough to call her Mom, Nana, Auntie, AJ, family, and friend.

May she rest peacefully, knowing she was deeply loved and that her legacy will continue to live on through the family she treasured so dearly.