Ella Ree Jones was born February 16, 1949, in Cleveland, Mississippi to Ernestine and Willie Dawson who proceeded her in death. Ella had three siblings: Ernest Dawson, Willie Mae Dawson who proceeded her in death, and Josephine Womack. Ella accepted Christ at an early age. She attended elementary and high high school in Mississippi where she graduated.

On February 9, 1967, Ela gave birth to her first son, Tony Stevenson Dawson (Jerry Taylor) who proceeded her in death. In 1970 she came to Chicago looking for better job opportunities; in September 1, 1971, she gave birth to her second son, Charles Terrell Kelly (Willie Kelley). On December 25, 1976, Ella married Jeffery Jones, Sr, who proceeded her in death. In August 27, 1980, Ella gave birth to her last son, Jeffery Wayne Jones, Jr.

Ella dedicated 33 years of service to the Cook County Juvenile Court System before retiring. Beyond her professional life, Ella was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She is survived by her sons: Charles Kelly and Jeffery Jones, Jr (Danielle); granddaughter/daughter Keon Payton, and a host of grandchildren; great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.