Ms. Elizabeth "Cozelle" Jones

On December 14, 2025, the Lord quietly and peacefully called His servant, E. Cozelle Jones, home to eternal rest. Cozelle, as she was lovingly known, was born on September 13, 1936, in Nassawadox, Virginia, to the late Charlie and Effie Upshur. 

At just 11 months old, Cozelle moved to Newport News, Virginia, where she was raised by her aunt and uncle, George and Rebecca Taylor. She received her early education in the Newport News Public School System, graduating from Huntington High School in 1954, and later attended Virginia State College. 

Cozelle dedicated 24 years of faithful service to the Newport News Public School System, from which she retired. 

At the age of 10, Cozelle joined St. Paul AME Church, where her love for singing began in the Junior Choir. She remained a devoted and active member throughout her life. Her service included the Chancel Choir, Mass Choir, and being one of the original members of the Paulette’s. She served as Director of the Day Care Center of St. Paul, Director of the Junior Choir, and was the first President of the Hospitality Club.
She was also the first female to drive the St. Paul AME Church van and served as Vacation Bible School Director. Cozelle was a long-time member of the Trustee Board and faithfully worked in the church office three days a week. 

Her love for nurturing young people was evident through her service as a Girl Scout Leader and later as Area Coordinator for Girl Scout Troops in the East End and Downtown areas. For 14 years, she served as a Site Coordinator for P.O.R.T. Each year, she devoted one week to serving the homeless, exemplifying her heart for service. 

Beyond church, Cozelle was a member of the Tidewater Sams Camping Club, Orcutt Senior Citizen Club, and Hampton Senior Citizens. For over 30 years, Cozelle was also a devoted member and one of the founders of the Hampton/Newport News Zeta Amicae. She loved to travel and cherished fellowship. 

Cozelle was united in holy matrimony to her high school sweetheart, Willie I. Jones, on October 8, 1955, and from this loving union, three daughters were born. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Willie I. Jones; her fathers, Charlie Upshur and George Taylor and stepfather, Ernest Robinson; mothers, Effie Upshur and 

Rebecca Taylor Robinson; brother, Charlie Upshur; sisters, Veetta Rainey, Ella Stanley, Effie Dashiell, and Geneva Wells; and her godson, William “Little Buddie” Robinson.

Cherishing Her Memory 

Cozelle’s legacy lives on through her daughters, who carry her memory forward: 

· Angela “Penny” Jones, Hampton, VA 

· Anita “Sissie” Jones McNair (Adonis), Chapel Hill, NC 

· Annette Moreland (David), Hillsboro, TX  

She is also survived by: 
Sisters: Connie Christian (Ralph), Richmond, VA; Paulette Hamilton, Upper Marlboro, MD 
Brothers: James Upshur (Adelta), Warwick, NY; Raleigh Upshur (Kay), San Antonio, TX 

Grandchildren:
Tamayne Pittman; Jonathan Pittman (Renata); Hope Baskerville (Darius); Isiah McNair; Leah Soto-Turner (Rebecca); Ceanne Turner 

Great-Grandchildren:
Jayda, Jahir, Jordan, Jayana, Jonathan, Braylen, Blessing, Joel, Serenity, Micheal, Heaven, and Trinity 

Bonus Great-Grandchildren:
David, Nadia, Gregory 

She also leaves to cherish her memory a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, her dear friend Lynne Allen, and many other cherished friends. 

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“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
— Matthew 25:23

It is the desire of the Jones family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of Ms. Elizabeth Jones has entrusted her final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home.

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