Mechelle Arden Jones

On Saturday, August 2, 2025, Mechelle A. Jones peacefully exchanged her earthly presence for her heavenly home.

Born on July 29, 1959, in Jacksonville, Florida, Mechelle was the beloved daughter of the late James Rivers and Odessa Jones. She received her formal education in Jacksonville and graduated with the Class of 1977 from Robert E. Lee High School. Over the years, she held various positions with Swisher International until a major injury led to her early retirement.

Mechelle was raised in a Christian home and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. Her stepfather, the late Reverend Nathaniel Nichols, faithfully served as pastor of New Mt. Zion Baptist Church for nearly two decades. Following in her family’s legacy of service, Mechelle was a devoted member of the Usher Board and aspired to become a deaconess.

Her life could be summed up in five words: Family, Friends, Fashion, Food, and Fun. She loved being a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Known affectionately as “Chelly-Ann” and “Granny,” she had a gift for making everyone feel loved and welcomed. Mechelle enjoyed cooking delicious meals, listening to music, and spending quality time with her loved ones. She also had a flair for style. Her impeccable head-to-toe looks, often featuring her favorite colors, red and black, made her stand out in any crowd.

She found joy in the simple pleasures like watching her favorite soap operas and discussing them daily with her big sister, Mattie Pearl, or settling in for a good action movie with a captivating storyline filled with action. Her warmth, style, and laughter touched the hearts of all who knew her.

Mechelle was preceded in death by her parents, James Rivers and Odessa Melvin Nichols; stepfather, Reverend Nathaniel Nichols; brothers, Wilbert Jones and Leslie Jones; brother-in-law, Calvin Reddick, Sr.; nephew, Darryl Jones; and niece, Chiffon Bryant.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving children, Troy Jones (Tameka) and Trey Jones; siblings, Mattie Reddick, Michael Rivers (Ann), James Rivers, and Tony Rivers; grandchildren, Troy Jr., Troyneisha, D’troy, Keon, Armani, Amir, Trey Jr., Timothy, Treyawn, and Ni’Jai; great-great-grandchildren, Royell, Divine, Kenari, Deon, Azlon, Rima, Reign, and Nova; extended family members, including the Jones, Rivers, Reddick, Newman, Scott, Gallon, Thornton, and Thompson families; as well as McArthur Nelson, Neise Brown, Angie Fisher, Katrina Collins and a host of other devoted relatives and friends.

Her love, smile, laughter, and legacy will forever remain in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the Family.

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