AMERICUS — Mrs. T’Liller Jones Pless, who was affectionately known to her family and friends as “Mama Tee,” was born Sept. 24, 1920, to the late Mr. Thurston Bloomer Jones and Mrs. Alice Mae Wallace-Jones of Preston, Georgia, who called her “Babe.” She attended and graduated Webster County Rule Schools whereas graduation constituted eight grades. As a youngster, she was taught “faith by which to live” and united with Evans Chapel C.M.E. Church, Preston, Ga., in the community of Church Hill. She was emerged under the water in a creek used for baptism. She united in holy matrimony with Andrew Pless Sr. on Jan. 7, 1939, through Feb. 4, 201,7 according to Romans 7:2-3, for 78 years. The Andrew Pless Sr. family relocated to Americus, Ga., on Oct. 23, 1957, and united with the Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church family. She continued servantship in a variety of ministries: president of Stewardess Board, Sunday school, choirs, culinary, YPD, Noisy B. Stephens Missionary Society and was a diligent helper throughout the community whereas she applied Matthew 25:35-36. Her church exalted her as an honorary stewardess on Dec. 31, 1978. Order of Eastern Star Chapter No. 26 honored her membership of 29 years in active services. On Nov. 12, 2016, she was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by way of Americus Chapter No. 26 Order of Eastern Star for 63 years of service. She retired from Sumter County Regional Hospital as a domestic engineer. She was also consecrated for deaconesses at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church by way of Bishop Frank Cunnings, Campbell Chapel A.M.E. Church.

She was the youngest of five sisters: Elma Wilders, Juris Campbell, Mattie Clarence Williams, Lillie Mae Stathum, DeLila Cliatt, Lula Mae Cox; one brother, Mr. Thurston Bloomer Jones Jr., all whom transitioned from earth to heaven before her.

Those who will cherish memories of Mrs. T’Liller Jones Pless: a holy-spirit filled and devoted husband Andrew Pless Sr., sons: Andrew Pless Jr. (Geneva Dudley-Pless), Kelvin W. Pless (Deborah Johnson Pless); two daughters, Annie Laura Pless-Munns (Jimmy L. Munns) and Alvetta Pless-Butts; also her pastor, church congregation and host of relatives and friends.

She is also survived by grandchildren: Horace Lee Pless Jr. (Vickie Gray-Pless), Shirley D. Pless-Wesley (Melvin Wesley); George Edward Pless (Janice Kitchens-Pless) and Alice M. Burgest (Ulric ‘Chico’ Burgest), Tara Hawkins, Travis Hawkins, Gary K. Pless (Lovette Pless), Andrew Pless III, Charlotte K. Pless-Johnson (Darin K. Johnson), Gary Pless Jr., Joshua Pless, Gara Pless-Mike (Nicole Mike), Ambriana Jones, Shalome Pless, Paris Pless, James Pless, Evan K. Pless-Johnson,  Gabriel K. Pless-Johnson, Brenda Denise Cooper (Anthony), Sharon Pless, Andrea C. Tatum (Benny), Sherry Tyson (Lawrence), Arthur Pless Jr., Arlena Brown (Darren), Michael Pless, Elizabeth Westbrook, Tabatha R. Munns-Wright, Paterno C. Munns, Jennifer L. Munns-Mastin (Ervin Mastin), Demetria Butts Bridges (Sammie Bridges), Sherwood Butts Jr. (Mary Butts), Temeshia Butts Edden (Vernon Edden), Shernone Butts (like a son), Otis Pless Jr. (Cynthia Pless), Theresa Threatt Theresa Threatt, Tiffany Camilie Pless, Kevia Wanesha Pless, Channin Thorn, Jacquarian Bichelle ‘Jackie’ Eagle; great-grandchildren: Davarus A. Kitchens, Terrance C. Kitchens, Xzavious ‘Jakese’ Pless, Larry C. Jordan III, Jermaine C. Jordan, Jennifer G. Pless-Gatlin, Latasha L. Pless Hutchins, Tomia B. Wesley, Javin Lewis, Jawarren Lewis, Quatesha Jackson, Tabatha A. Owens,  Edward Jarrod Gilmore, Khalil Tabias Munns, Gabrielle Antrina Munns, Briana Nicole Munns,  Zaybrion Christopher Munns-Sheffield, Cierra Pless, Aisha Pless, Jade Pless, Cheyenne Pless, Chione Pless, Morgan Butts, Sherwood Butts III, Vernon Edden III, Lauren Edden, Demetric Jaheim Bridges, Tamea Ayana Hawkins, Bryan Sumlin Sr., Deborah Simpson, DeAnna Furlow, Dexter Furlow Jr., Khandiese Cooper, Charles Cooper, Cameron Pless, Quandarius Smith, Keana Hardrick,  Marquise Hardrick II, Lawrence Tyson Jr., Arlexus Pless, Isaiah Pless, Marquiesha Pless, Artoria Pless, Diamond Pless, Travis Pless, Arthur Pless III, Marquis Wimberly, Monisha Wimberly, Jai Pless, Artra’veus Westbrook, Taju Thomas, McKenzie Pless, Isyss Tyson, Azireya Pless, Amari Pless, Jackie Eagle (Jason Eagle), Tanisha Threatt and Shanice Threatt; great-great-grandhildren: Shateria Sumlin, Bryan Sumlin Jr., Cierra Sumlin, David Sumlin, Aiden Washington, Londyn Coley, Ethan Coley, Jordyn Smith, Roman White, Christian Bailey, Malachi Gatlin, Kyra Gatlin, Antwon Hutchins Jr., Cavius A. Kitchens, Tiyez A. Kitchens, Bryson T. Kitchens, Aedan O. Bush, Trayvion C. Dees, Xayden J. Pless, Xayder J. Pless, Sebastian C. Threat, Alexiana C. Jordan,  Aaliyah, Rasson, Parker, Ariel, Asher and Aaron Eagle; great-great-great-grandson: Josiah Owens, Montgomery, Alabama; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives.

Funeral services for Mrs. T’Liller Jones Pless, who passed on Feb. 4, 2017, at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church. The Rev. Dr. Kenneth Williams will officiate and burial will follow in Staley Memorial Gardens. The remains will lie in repose at the church one hour prior to the services.

Barnum Funeral Home Inc. is in charge of arrangements.