Mrs. Barbara Ann Jones

Celebrating The Life, Love and Laughter of Barbara Ann Jones, "Nzapa Tiombe Ama Adero Assata" Nzapa was born Barbara Ann Mccarroll on April 10, 1944 in Detroit, Michigan. She was the third child of Claude, Sr. and Susie Mccarroll (Mama Sala). Her parents and two sisters (Louvenia and Vidella) preceded her in death. Since childhood, Barbara had an amazing gift of public speaking and writing. She polished those skills at Detroit Public Schools as well as honing her cooking skills at Chadsey High School. In 1962, her first child Angela (Aida) was born, Darren (Mwata) followed in 1963, then Tina Marie in 1967. Among her greatest joy was interacting with her children. She especially enjoyed word games like Scrabble and having intellectual debates with them. After High School Barbara had several careers and college enrollments. At the urging of her children, she returned to college at Eastern Michigan University where she earned three degrees. Barbara later pursued a Ph.D. at Capella University. These degrees enabled her to use her to become a speech and English teacher at her alma mater as well as Wayne County and Henry Ford Community Colleges. She was also a member of the Detroit Public School Board-Region 1 from 1976 through 1986. Barbara won a contest as a very young child. The challenge was to name the books of the bible. She continued to build upon the biblical knowledge learned in her youth. In 1972, her mother Sala Dama Ii Assata invited her to the Shrine of the Black Madonna. There she became Nzapa Tiombe Arna Adero Assata. Nzapa used her talents as a leader, biblical scholar, public speaker, teacher, and inspiration to serve the church in Detroit and Atlanta. Her number one ministry came from preparing meals for church members and guests. This sister brought meal preparation to new heights. If she was here today, she would even prepare her own repast. On December 29, 1990, Barbara married Wesley Phillip Jones. This union lasted until his death in 2001. While their son Darren was born several years before, nine additional adult children came with this union. Son Darren and stepdaughter Starmania preceded her in death. On December 15, 2016, Nzapa rested, peacefully joining the ranks of our ancestors.

Mrs. Barbara Ann Jones

April 10, 1944 - December 15, 2016