Dr. Tessie Mae (Privette) Jones

Funeral services to celebrate the life for Dr. Tessie Mae Privette Jones will be held Friday, May 22, 2020 at:

Refiner's Fire Community Church, 1001 E. Main Street, Durham, NC 27707

8 a.m. to Noon  Viewing for family and friends (See guidelines)

Viewing will allow visitors to pay their last respects to Dr. Tessie Mae Privette Jones in small rotating groups. However, those wishing to attend the viewing must abide by the following City of Durham and Refiner's Fire Community Church social distancing guidelines:

No invitation is required for viewing ONLY
No contact with individuals
Facial masks/coverings must be worn at all times
Individuals must remain 6 feet apart 
Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and will immediately end the viewing
No congregating prior to, during or following the viewing and service on church grounds
No repass will be provided following the viewing and funeral service
 

1 p.m. Funeral service for approved immediate family members by invitation only (See guidelines)

Due to the City of Durham and Refiner's Fire Community Church, only 50 family members will be allowed to attend the FUNERAL service. The following City of Durham and Refiner's Fire Community Church social distancing guidelines must be adhered to:

EACH family member (per person) MUST present their invitation and name to attend the service
No contact with individuals
Facial masks/coverings must be worn at all times
Individuals must remain seated 6 feet apart
Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and will immediately end the service
No congregating prior to, during or following the service on church grounds
No repass will be provided following the funeral service
 

OBITUARY

Dr. Tessie Mae Privette Jones, 81, transitioned Saturday, May 16, 2020 at her home surrounded by her loving family.  She was born, in Durham, North Carolina on January 11, 1939 to the late Richard and Lessie Privette Sr.  She was a sibling of seven and a great Matriarch of the family.

She began ministry evangelizing at age 12.  In 1977, she founded the Evangelistic Prayer Band Inc., under which was birthed New Mount Temple Tabernacle; a nondenominational Christian Church located in Durham’s inner city.   Her first message as Senior Pastor was entitled, “Touch Christ”.

Her mission has been to win lost souls, nurture and minister to them about a personal and intimate fellowship with Christ.  She had a heart for people, especially the youth.  She was called to the ministry of helps. She was always able to recognize the gift God placed in people even when they themselves could not see; and loved them beyond their brokenness.  She accepted the call to snatch those souls from the fires of hell and establish them in the Word of God.  It is believed by many that they are the person they are today because Dr. Jones said, “YES” to the call of God, “will you serve Me”.

Dr. Jones was a true shepherd, an extraordinarily awesome and powerful woman of God who laid a sure and lasting foundation, and fanned the flames God ignited in people. She committed her life to be filled with integrity, and Godly wisdom as her guide.  The life she lived taught others about God’s love.  The aurora of the presence of God which surrounded her could quiet every anxiety or crisis, creating a peace and reassurance.  The impact Dr. Jones had on the lives of others is immeasurable in words. Just to be in her presence was an honor. She is more than deserving of every honor given to her through her six decades in the ministry, not because she demanded it, but because it was given freely and willingly. 

Her husband and children saw her as a confidant, pillar of faith and strength, a champion of truth, homemaker, and trendsetter.  Dr. Jones was adored by her children.  They saw her as an amazing Mom, loving and full of compassion.  She poured into them spiritually and morally, believing their lives had purpose; and was instrumental as a parent to bring it forth.  In the eyes of her grandchildren, she was a fearless leader, trailblazer, and Wonder Woman. Because of her example, there was nothing they felt they could not do. She spent quality time with each of them, encouraging them to always stand for what is right.  She demonstrated before them character and integrity. They revered her as a true role model.  

Dr. Jones holds a Bachelor of Theology and Masters of Divinity from Union Christian Bible Institute; and a Doctorate of Philosophy from Andersonville Baptist Seminary.  She graduated from Croft Business College and Hillside High School, Class of 1956. 

She served as board member of the Hayti Development Corporation; and Durham Partnership for Children of Durham, N.C.  She also served at Operation Breakthrough with the mission of providing services to the children of the working poor. She fought for the rights of African Americans in underprivileged communities.  She participated in the Urban Development Institute (UDI) grassroots project, which was to provide a grocery store in the African American community in the early 1970’s.  She served at North Carolina Central University sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the students.  As an evangelist, she served in the lower income communities providing services at the community recreational centers offering a place of worship and Bible teaching.

Dr. Jones is survived by her husband of 63 years, Willie Leroy Jones Sr.; three children, Tamie J. Harbison (Robert), Willie L. Jones II (Gloria), and Jules J. Jones Sr. (late Cherie Jones); seven grandchildren, Tamara H. Scarborough, Willie L. Jones III, Angela D. Harbison, Jules J. Jones II, Mario D. Jones, Cherita A. Jones, and Jules Devon; two great grandchildren, Olivia Grace Scarborough, and Willie L. Jones IV. Her sister, Lenova Blue, and brothers, Carl T. Privette (Jackie), George G. Privette (Barbara); and sister-in-law, Caroline Privette.  Her siblings that preceded her in death, Richard Privette Jr., Caroline Bell, and Betty Harris. A host of nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and Refiner’s Fire Community Church family.

                                                      Remembering Dr. Tessie Mae Privette Jones

In honor of Dr. Jones and in accordance with state and federal guidelines regarding social distancing, a Memorial Parade has been scheduled for Saturday May 23rd at 2pm. Cars will gather at 2121 T. W. Alexander Drive Morrisville NC 27703 at 1:45pm and process to the home of Willie Leroy and Tessie Jones “1031 Branwell Drive Durham NC 27703” to shower the family with love and support.

                               ***As this is a private residence, we do ask that you not blow your horns***
 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Tessie Mae (Privette) Jones, please visit our floral store.