Ida Mae Jones was born on May 30, 1929, to the union of Sylvester Nicholson and Tiny Parker in Shuqualak, Mississippi. She was the eldest of 7 children.

Ida attended Knoxby County Training School while in Shuqualak. As a young girl, Ida took an interest in sports, growing very fond of basketball.  At the age of 19, she began modeling. Later, in 1945 she moved to East St. Louis, IL. There, in 1951 she was joined in union with Willie Lee Jones. They remained married for 41 years until he departed in 1992. Willie had affectionately nick-named her "Red". Together Willie and Ida welcomed six children, including 3 girls and 3 boys.

In October 1977, after following her son Willie into a life of Christ at the House of Prayer to All Nations (HOPTAN), Ida was baptized in Jesus's name and filled with the Holy Ghost. While working for the Lord, she performed duties on the Evangelist Team and Usher Board.

Mother Jones enjoyed cooking and preparing large meals during holidays for her family and friends. She had a strong love for old westerns and watching In the Heat of Night. Judge Judy and Captain Olivia Benson were two of her favorite women in charge on TV.  Flowers were also a very important part of her everyday routine. She watered each plant in her yard in her favorite duster and big straw hat. None of these tasks came before her daily readings of the Holy Bible. Throughout the day she never shied away from reading multiple scriptures and remained faithful in attending church regularly. As Mother grew older in her later years, she enjoyed the company of family and friends who visited her at home.

Ida is preceded in death by her six siblings Vera Lee, T-Huburt, Icy Lee, Curtis Earl, Freddie Lee, and Walter C. Parker. She is also preceded in death by her husband Willie, her three children, Herbert, Donald, and Diane Jones, and one grandson, Vernon.

Ida Mae Jones departed this life on October 12, 2023. She leaves to cherish three children, Kathie (Dwight), Willie (Verlie), & Lois Jones all of East Saint Louis, IL, and a special grandson Antione Jones. Ida also leaves very special goddaughters, Beverly Horton and Avis Bee as well as 16 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, 22 great-great grandchildren, 1 great great great grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.