Some people are just born with it: an undefeatable spirit, a zeal for life, and a love of people. Mary Lilia Jones Batiste was one of the chosen few who possessed these rare qualities in abundance.

On August 15, 1927, on the anniversary of the Feast of the Assumption, Mary Lilia Jones was born to Fred and Harriet Orphey Jones in Lake Charles, LA.  Mary Lee or Lee as she was affectionately known was very close to her siblings: Edna Jones Hardy, Rita M. Jones, Fredrick Jones, Paul Jones, Emanuel Jones, Samuel J. Jones and twin brothers Matthew and Michael P. Jones. Being one of nine children, she learned early in life the value of hard work, honesty, love of family, loyalty, and reverence for God. She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age, was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and attended Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School.

Although she was small in stature she always stood tall in a crowd because of her colorful personality, her innate ability to draw you into her conversation, her unyielding inward strength and generous nature. There was never a dull moment when she was around. One of her gifts was to find the comedy in life, even in the most difficult of circumstances. Her gift made room for her and endeared her in the hearts of many. She was well known and loved by all who knew her.

Taking great pride in her faith, family, work ethic, and her attire she was diligent in everything she set her hand to. She could always be found in Mass worshipping the Lord, at work often pulling extra shifts, at home with her family, collector's dolls, dog Missy Poo, or at occasional social events.

Mary Lee began her career at an early age in the dry cleaning industry where she continued for 60 years until retiring from One Hour Martinizing. Having modeled for The Fairs Clothing Store as a young woman she had a flair for fashion and an outfit or two for every occasion. Even if it meant going down a ½ or so shoe size, she made sure she was stylish. In those moments she would say, "Pride feels no pain."

On January 25, 1945 she married Thomas AJ Batiste, Sr. To this union six children were born: Thomas AJ, Harriet Marie, Kenneth Wayne, Arnold Carey (Sr.), Debra Cecillia, and Mark Anthony.

Being very outgoing she held memberships in the American Legion Auxilliary Post 0551, Ladies Auxilliary VFW Post 7321, and Saint Rita Court #31. She was also an AARP member.

On February 2, 2017 the Lord called this shooting star home. Even in her last days her personality prominently shined through her circumstances.

Mary Lee was preceded in death by her parents: Fred and Harriet Orphey Jones of St. Martinville, LA, and Lake Charles, LA respectively; her spouse: Thomas AJ Batiste; her children: Harriet Marie, Kenneth Wayne, and Mark Anthony; and her grandchildren: Arnold C. Batiste, Jr. and Tara L. Strawder Murdock.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children: Thomas AJ Batiste, Jr., Arnold C. Batiste, Sr., and Debra C. Batiste Delafosse; her grandchildren: Laney Washington, Roshone Tyler (Willie), Jacqueline F. Brush (Tom), Brian A. Lewis, Tangela Delafose, Geraldine Delafosse Kitchens, Rodney D. Williams, Mark A Strawder and Tia L. Kelly; 26 great and 16 great great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.  She is greatly loved and missed.