Elsie Lee Calhoun Jones December 24, 1919 – October 3, 2026

Elsie Lee Calhoun Jones (Big Sister), a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and woman of deep faith and steadfast commitment to religious and moral principles, passed away peacefully at the age of one hundred six years (106) on Saturday, October 3, 2026. She was surrounded by family and her healthcare providers.

Elsie Lee Calhoun Jones was born on December 24, 1919, in Calvin, LA (Winn Parish). She was the second of eight (8) children born to the union of Isaac Calhoun and Jurllean Garner Calhoun: Hazie, Walter (Vadie), Richard (Mary), Husher Inez), Isaac (Maguerite), Willie Marshall, and Athalean (Thomas).

Her faith was the foundation of her life. She was a devoted member of Union Hill Baptist Church where she worshiped faithfully, formed lifelong friendships, and gave generously of her time and talents. She served in numerous ministries (usher, stewardess, women mission, Sunday school, church mother, etc.). Her spiritual strength was an inspiration to those who knew her, and she carried her beliefs not only in her words, but in the way she lived each day.

Elsie was the loving wife of the late Gus Jones of Winnfield, LA. They were blessed with one daughter, Evelyn, and one son who passed away shortly after birth. Together, Elsie and Gus built a wonderful life centered around their religious convictions, their daughter, family, and business holdings.

Elsie was preceded in death by her mother 103 years of age), father and each of her seven siblings including their spouses. Additionally, she was preceded in death by her husband, his mother and father and each of his seven siblings. In short, Elsie survived an entire generation of in-laws and family.

She is survived by her beloved daughter Evelyn Smith and Evelyn’s husband John Smith whom she loved as a son; her grandchildren, Ricardo Smith (Deborah), Troy Hamm (Anita); eight great grandchildren, four great great grandchildren and multiple generations of exceptional nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to the Celebration of the Life of Elsie Lee Calhoun Jones at 11:00AM on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the Fifth African Baptist Church, 174 Fourth Street, St. Rose, LA 70087. Visitation: 9:00am until the time of Celebration Service at the above-named Church.

A second Celebration of the Life of Elsie Lee Calhoun will be held in her hometown of Calvin, LA on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the Union Hill Baptist Church, 6878 LA-501, Calvin, LA 71410. Visitation: 9:00am – Services 11:00a.m. Interment Union Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, Calvin, LA. Final Arrangements entrusted to Patrick H. Sanders Funeral Home & Funeral Directors, LLC. 605 Main Street, LaPlace, LA 70068. 985359-1919. “Providing Care & Comfort is Our Highest Mission.”