Ericka Edwards Jones, Chief Deputy at Orleans Parish Second City Court, transitioned this earthly life on Sunday, September 5, 2021 at Ochsner Medical Center West Bank Campus Hospital due to complications suffered from a heart attack. A loving wife and mother, Ericka will be especially missed by her husband Marcus L. Jones, Sr. and her 13-year-old son Marcus Jr., who was the light of her life. She was also a dutiful daughter to her mother Stephanie Roche Edwards Butler, District Director to former Congressman William J. Jefferson.
Born on October 27, 1972, Ericka was also the daughter of August Edwards III.
Ericka attended St. Marys Academy and graduated Xavier University Preparatory High School. She was a graduate of Southern University at New Orleans and Loyola University School of Law. She recently sat for the state bar examination and was eagerly looking forward to beginning a new career practicing law a lifetime goal.
Ericka enjoyed a long career in public service having also worked at Civil District Court under former Clerk, Dale N. Atkins and now Clerk Chelsey Richard Napoleon. She was previously Court Crier for the Honorable Sonia Spears, Judge, First City Court and Executive Assistant to former Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Irma Muse Dixon.
Ericka served as Deputy Field Director for Jefferson Parish for Congressman William J. Jefferson and was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Algiers Charter School Association. In the private sector, Ericka worked for Jefferson, Bryan, Gray and Jupiter Law Firm and was a Senior Project Manager for MASTEC, Inc.
Always a proud Democrat, Ericka was extremely active in Democratic Party politics. As a member of the Young Democrats, she spoke at and opened a rally for President William Jefferson Clinton when he was campaigning in New Orleans.
As a dedicated member of the Orleans Parish Democratic Executive Committee for nearly 20 years, she served as Vice Chair of Administration and Chair of the Political Action Committee. Ericka coordinated the candidate forums during each election cycle. She also served in many recent political campaigns including the elections of Congressman Troy Carter, State Senator Gary Carter and Second City Court Clerk Darren Lombard, a cousin.
A staple of the Algiers community, Ericka will be remembered for her compassion, kindness, sense of style and calming personality. Lombard affectionately called her the peacemaker and glue that would hold us together.
Lisa Ray Diggs, chair of the Orleans Parish Democratic Executive Committee, said Ericka was a Beacon of Light in our organization and community. Political consultant Betty Thibodeaux exclaimed, Ericka was the most respectful young person I had ever met she was a rock star.
Ericka lived and served with great joy. No one encountering her with a problem left that encounter without feeling better and being better because of it. The Bible speaks about unspeakable, inexpressible joy upon meeting Jesus. That is the kind of joy I and so many others experienced with Ericka, said former Congressman William J. Jefferson.
Ericka was the consummate professional, with a smile that could light the sky, and a beautiful spirit that you quickly grew close to. She was an amazing Daughter, Wife, Mother, leader and friend/sister to so many of us. I think God you passed my way. Rest in Peace my dear Sister, Congressman Troy Carter proclaimed.
I am profoundly saddened by the untimely passing of my friend Ericka Edwards Jones. Ericka possessed a great spirit accompanied by a huge heart. She was compassionate, kind, thoughtful and extremely generous. Erickas presence was felt by everyone she encountered and her love shown throughout all things she did. I extend my deepest sympathies to her family, and all those who came to known Ericka as a true friend. She will be greatly missed by so many who knew and loved her, said Honorable Cedric L. Richmond, White House Senior Advisor.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 18, 2021 at All Saints Catholic Church, 1441 Teche Street in Algiers, Louisiana. Visitation will take place between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. followed by a reading of the obituary, remarks and the Rosary. The Funeral Mass begins at 10:00 a.m.
