Melissa Celeste (Jones) Curtis

My Journey

“It was a great thing that He did for me.” Jesus died on Calvary for the whole wide world to see.  It was a great thing that He did for me”

 My earthly journey began on November 23, 1968 as the youngest child of the late James R. and Venita B. Jones.  My parents named me Melissa Celeste Jones, but as frequently happens, someone (I don’t know who) named me “Toots”.   To  my little ones they called me “ Moo, Moo”.

My spiritual journey began at Queen’s Chapel United Methodist Church.  Baptized during the ministry of Rev. John L. Winters, I attended Church School and church services with my family. Known as a “singing church” naturally I  loved music, and was a member of the Children’s Choir, Youth Choir, and the Mass Choir.  As members of the Mass Choir, best friend  Veronica Hudson and I blended our voices to lead “It Was A Great Thing.”

Living in the Beltsville area as a child and for much of my adult life, I attended Prince George’s County schools, graduating from High Pont High School  in 1987. Following my Dad’s example, at the age of 24 I began my employment at Giant Food and after 28 years I was Head Baker and Cake Decorator.

Even as a child, my family accused me of being a little mischievous and a bit of a cut-up.  As a youngster I followed my older sister Thalia everywhere.  After the birth of her eldest son Ronnie, I loved rocking his cradle. As I wasn’t yet riding a bicycle, my vehicle of choice was a toy ketchup bottle with wheels.  It was gifted to me by my godmother Pamela Oliphant. My ultimate journey’s end was the home of my Aunt Emmie’s (aka Emily Gross).  She was my great-aunt and my babysitter, and it’s fair to say with Aunt Emmie I wanted for nothing.  

On June 23, 2003, I married the late Jamie L. Curtis.  On February 14, Valentine’s Day, God gave me my greatest gift by sending me my daughter “Angel”.  From that time on, Angel and I were inseparable. We shared the love of the water—pool or beach—as well as shopping together, traveling to Jamaica and Atlanta, Georgia, and finally the long mother-daughter talks—just us two. 

As a people person, I loved being around friends and family. I loved to dance and party to go-go music, eat crabs, and hot chicken right out of the skillet; and with warm weather, I would say “Uncle Rock (my brother Maurice), do you have any hot fish?” Never shy, I was never hesitant to speak my mind; and offer advice to others.  To all of my family and friends thanks for sharing my journey.

On Saturday, September 5, 2020, I answered the call of the One who takes care of us all.  Family and friends  know that I loved   you and leave to cherish our memories—my precious daughter Angel, my beloved siblings —Thalia Gee, James and Maurice Jones; five nephews; and two great-nephews; two stepchildren; two god-children; godmother Pamela Smith-Oliphant; and a host of family, and friends.

Well I’ve got to go now, and as I leave you, in the words of my little Logan and I— Be Sweet!

UPDATE: THERE WILL BE NO SERVICE

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