Markia Renee Jones, 36, of New Haven departed this mortal life April 2, 2018.
She was born March 9, 1982, in New Haven. In the transition from a girl to a woman, Markia was working ever so hard to show the world her talents as an artist from as early as her elementary school years. She attended Lincoln Bassett Elementary School, Jackie Robinson Middle School, and Cooperative Arts High School.
After high school, she started her journey into higher education attending Briarwood College and majoring in fashion design, which paid off as she recently launched a swimsuit collection that she showed in fall 2017. Aside from fashion, Kia was a published author of two books, My Thought and Truth Sermon. Writing was one of her passions but she loved making stories come to life with her acting. Kia was in two plays Last Friend Holiday, part one and two, as well as the film Sessions.
An aspiring entrepreneur Markia was also a licensed massage therapist, make-up artist and founder of a women’s empowerment group called Black
Diamond. Kia wanted to use her gifts to encourage her daughter to be her best “unafraid” self. Kia was most recently employed at Raymour and Flannigan where she worked as a customer care representative.
According to her employer, she was understanding, funny and personable which led to her promotion as a lead Customer care representative. Markia aspired to make Black Diamond her full-time job where she could use the talents she gained over the years from her village to empower women to be
strong, graceful and passionate. Her passion to see this vision come to life was extremely important to her legacy and even in its infancy brought so many women together at very special occasions to encourage each other in power and allowing her daughter to witness these moments were what made all the hard work worth it.
Markia is survived by her loving daughter Harmony C. Kendrick. If she could be here at this very moment of grief for her daughter, she would surely embrace her and tell her that she loves her dearly. And not even death can change that. That the day she was born she put fire to her mom’s purpose.
Making her drive to live in confidence and reverence to God the hallmark of her life.
“Harmony you are the music to your mother’s soul. Hence the symbol she engraved over her heart for you. She worked extremely hard to give you her best. To show you that despite adversity it is always safe to dream and live your best life. Never letting pain or struggle keep you from trying the very little things God placed in your heart to experience. But know that though she is gone for now. Like her you to have a village. One that will assist you in continuing her legacy of greatness. You already have her fighting spirit and we, The Village, will not let you lose the gift she left you. Be bold, be confident, love yourself and overall things: trust God.”
She is also survived by Rosilyn Freeman (mother), Mark K. Jones Sr. (father), Kenneth Odom Sr. (step-dad), Sydney Freeman (step-dad), Thomasina Minder (grandmother). Her siblings Brittany Odom, Kenneth Odom Jr., Tocarra Willams, Markish Williams, Mark Jones Jr., Bianca Williams, Davon Williams, Quincy Williams, and Brandon Williams. Aunts: Elizabeth Bennett (great aunt), Charlene Minder, and Sharon McCann. Uncles: Austin Jordan (great uncle), Thomas Minder, and William Jones. Godmother Janise Gray. Special friend Carl Bush. She was a loving aunt to all her nieces and nephews.
Markia was pre-deceased by her maternal grandfather Robert L. Minder Sr., paternal grandparents Edith Jones and Edward Dean, Uncle Robert Minder Jr., Cousin Kenneth M. Brown Jr., and her baby boy Jahki Kendrick. She will be missed not only by those listed but a host of family and friends who loved her more than words can express.
