Leila H. Jones, daughter of the late Howard and Katie Smith, was born on May 19, 1934 in Silver Spring, Maryland. She was the 5th born of six children and predeceased in death by siblings James E. Smith, Clara V. Smith, Joseph B. Smith, Mary S. Rhett, Howard Smith, Jr., and stepbrother Edward Marsellars. On Saturday, December 19, 2020, Leila transitioned from this earthly existence to life eternal and was reunited with her late husband Earl Jones, Sr., in their heavenly home.

Leila began her formal education at the historic Smithville Colored School which was established for educating the Black children of Montgomery County, Maryland in the 1940s. She went on to graduate from George Washington Carver High School (Rockville, MD) in 1952. After high school, Leila moved to Baltimore, Maryland and began a professional journey that led her to South Baltimore General Nursing School where she graduated in the top of her nursing class, becoming an LPN.

When Leila was four years old, her mother, Katie Smith, passed away. Five years later, Leila and her five siblings were blessed with a wonderful stepmother, Ollie M. Smith, who was an inspirational force in their lives. Ollie's exceptional culinary skills rubbed off on Leila, and her cooking became legendary. Every meal that she prepared was special. Her assortment of tasty cakes and pies were unforgettable treats. She always said that "LOVE" was the main ingredient in every dish or dessert that she prepared.

In her early teens, Leila showed a passion for taking care of others. She assumed the role of caregiver for her paternal grandmother, Alice H. Smith, and her elderly aunt. This love of helping others was the motivating force that led Leila to her lifelong career in nursing. She spent over 32 years as a nurse at Church Home & Hospital. Most of her career was spent working in Coronary and Intensive Care Units. Leila's care and commitment to her patients resulted in numerous acknowledgements, including a Baltimore Channel 13 TV Salute for actions that saved the life of a patient.

Leila was a loving mother, grandmother and advocate for families. She was introduced to the love of her life, Earl Jones, by his sister Carolee Jones. On July 23, 1955, Earl and Leila married. They were blessed with two sons, Ron Gerard and Earl Jr. Earl and Leila enjoyed over 63 years of marriage until God called Earl to eternal rest on March 10, 2019. Since family was so important to both Leila and Earl, they made many personal sacrifices to ensure the well-being of Earl's parents, who they took care of for over 25 years.

Leila's grandchildren were the greatest joys in her life. She spent countless hours with them, cooking their favorite meals and treats, enjoying a good laugh with them, and encouraging them to be the best that they could be. Her influence was especially evident in her granddaughter Eryn, who is not only following in Leila's footsteps by pursuing a career in nursing but was also Leila's primary caregiver. After the death of their grandfather in 2019, Eryn and her older brother, Earl III, moved in to care for and to be supportive of Leila.

Leila and her siblings were raised in the Christian faith as members of Good Hope United Methodist Church in Silver Spring, MD. After graduating high school and moving to Baltimore, Leila joined Zion Baptist Church. She later joined Bethel AME Church where she served faithfully on the Nurses Ministry until the time of her death. She could be seen on any given Sunday responding to the medical needs of fellow church members or checking the blood pressures of congregants after church.

Faith, family, and community were the cornerstones of Leila's life. She openly expressed how God continuously blessed her. In fact, she frequently capped off her conversations with one of her favorite songs, "I will trust in the Lord", which she sang both in and out of key. Once you met Leila, you instantly became family. She warmly opened her heart and her home to you where she fed your stomach as well as your spirit. She loved a good laugh and often said, "When you make people laugh, you help them to feel better and live longer." If there is any truth to that, a lot of us are going to be living a long time because of her.

Leila enjoyed sharing health related information with her fellow dialysis patients at DaVita Good Samaritan Dialysis. This resulted in a significant improvement in patient attendance at the dialysis center for this life sustaining service. The patients and staff were very dear to Leila and she considered them part of her family. She welcomed life's challenges with the understanding that whatever she faced was merely an opportunity to show how great God is. Leila often proclaimed, "The battle is not mine, it's the Lord's!" and "I'm not complaining, I'm only explaining!".

An avid sports fan, Leila loved boxing, football and basketball. Her house was the place to be during televised sporting events. The highlight of the evening was always one of her signature meals, topped off with dessert. The Baltimore Ravens was her favorite football team and she stood firmly by them. The Los Angeles Lakers was her basketball team and LeBron James was her favorite player. As great athletes give their all and leave it on the field, Leila gave her all in everything that she faced and left it all on the field of life.

Leila leaves to cherish her memory: Sons Ron Gerard (Michele) and Earl Jr. (Yvonne); Grandchildren Jerard, Jacy Maddox (Andrew Jr.), Jaid, Earl III, Eryn, Elan, and Evan; Sisters-in-law Genevieve Matthews, Gladys Clash (George), and Sherril Jones; Brother-in-law Joseph T. Jones; Lifelong devoted friends Eleanor "Mikki" Allsbury and Elizabeth West; Goddaughter Sheena Smith, nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.