Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Mrs. Shelia Rhea Cochran Jonas, 78, of Hwy 601 South, Mocksville, died Friday, March 8, 2024 at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston-Salem.

She was born on Aug. 30, 1945 in Carroll County, Va. to the late Mamie Sue Carpenter Cochran.

Ministry was her life’s work, serving over 63 years in various capacities. Upon moving to North Carolina in 1978, she began working for the Church of God of Prophecy at the state level and did so for 20 years. She travelled with a gospel group known as the “Evangelistic Trio”, who recorded two albums. Mrs. Jonas enjoyed playing piano, and wrote a song titled, “I Just Made it Home”. She also loved acting in the church Christmas plays every year. Among her favorite things to do included spending time with her grandchildren and talking sports with her son, Tony.

In addition to her mother, she was also preceded in death by a brother, Gene Reaves Cochran.

Known by all her family as “Ma”, her survivors include: her husband of 60 years, Benjamin Joell Jonas of the home; 2 children, Bebee J. Dillard (Danny) of Mocksville and Tony Ray Jonas (Teresa) of Jamestown; 2 grandchildren, Adam Cox (Nicole) and Tiffany Jonas; 2 great-grandchildren, Malachi Cox and Emma Cox; 6 step-grandchildren, Miranda Dillard, Chad Dillard (Kelly), Nick Dillard (Bridgett), Riley Kinder, Jordan Kinder, Tyler Thompson (Laura); 9 step great-grandchildren, Brianna Dillard, Lindsay Leatherman, Sarah Head, Addyson Dillard, Harper Dillard, Everett Thompson, Nolan Thompson, Jack Ray Thompson, and Emery Neal; step great great-grandson, Kayson Gage; many brothers and sisters-in-law; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews; and Callie, her beloved cat.

The family would like to say a special thanks to Trellis Supportive Care for their care and compassion shown to Mrs. Jonas and her family.

A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 13 at Eaton Funeral Chapel with Mr. Tony Jonas, and Pastors Travis Burney, Jack Kivett, and Danny Dillard officiating. Interment will follow in Church of God of Prophecy Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be considered for: Church of God of Prophecy, c/o Mrs. Joyce Smith, 235 Cranford Road, Salisbury, NC 28146.

Online condolences: www.eatonfuneralservice.com.