Mother Buleah M. Jones-Warnell was born on May 24, 1939, in Cairo, Illinois. From an early age, she carried a spirit of kindness, strength, and unwavering faith that would touch the lives of so many. In 1950, her family relocated to Chicago Heights, Illinois, where she would grow into the remarkable woman we all came to know and love.
Mother Buleah attended Bloom Township High School and graduated with pride. She then entered the workforce, demonstrating her dedication and resilience in every role she took on. She worked for several years as a Manufacturing Associate at ITW Deltar before retiring in 1995.
Beyond her professional life, Mother Buleah had many passions that brought her joy. She loved bowling and was an active member of a bowling league for years until her health began to decline. She also had a competitive yet fun-loving spirit, which shined through in her love for board games, Rummy Royale, and card games. As a devoted member of a weekly Bid Whist Club, she cherished the camaraderie and laughter shared with friends.
Her home was always filled with warmth, love, and the comforting aroma of delicious meals. No one ever left her home hungry, as she welcomed all with open arms and a table always adorned with sweets. She loved to sew, creating beautiful handmade items for those she loved, and she had a deep passion for sports, cheering on her favorite teams with enthusiasm. Traveling was another joy in her life, as she embraced every opportunity to create cherished memories.
Mother Buleah's faith was the cornerstone of her life. She accepted Christ at an early age and dedicated over 67 years to Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. As a faithful and active member, she served in various roles, including singing in the Calvary Mass Choir and participating in numerous programs and activities that enriched the lives of those around her. Her devotion to God was reflected in her daily life, and she was a guiding light to so many.
In November 2021, she married Rev. Louis Warnell, embarking on a new chapter of companionship and love. In May 2022, she was consecrated to the Motherhood, an honor that recognized the wisdom, love, and guidance she so freely gave to those around her.
Mother Buleah was a devoted wife, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Her family meant everything to her, and she took great pride in nurturing, guiding, and supporting them in every way possible. She was not only a matriarch but also a source of unwavering love and wisdom. Her presence brought comfort, her words brought encouragement, and her love knew no bounds.
On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, Mother Buleah departed this life at St. Franciscan Hospital in Olympia Fields, Illinois.
She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Cora Lee McAllister-Blackful and Leroy Blackful, Sr., her beloved daughter, Regina Jones, her son Steve Hale, her grandson Devon Wiley, and her siblings, Leroy Blackful, Jr., Charles Blackful, Sr., Ethel Downs, and Irma Jean Blackful-Coopwood. She also joins her brother-in-law William Downs, sister-in-law Ollie Blackful, and nephews Dan Downs and Tyrone Blackful, Jr., in eternal rest.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion, cherished by her devoted husband, Rev. Louis Warnell, her daughter Lelia Jones, and her six sons: Boise Jones, Evil Jones, Reginald Flemings, Douglas (Monique) Flemings, Joseph (Tamala) Flemings, and Keith Lott. She is also lovingly remembered by her two sisters, Jacqueline (Bernard) Richardson and Unice (Frank) Harden, and her three brothers, Jerry (Pearline) Segers, Tyrone Blackful Sr., and Lawrence Blackful, Sr. She leaves behind her two sisters-in-law, Rose Blackful and Karen Blackful.
Mother Buleah's love extended to 28 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren, as well as her Goddaughter, Jacqueline Lott, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and dear friends.
Though her physical presence is no longer with us, her love, wisdom, and spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. She has left an indelible mark on this world, and we take comfort in knowing that she is now resting peacefully in the arms of the Lord.
Rest well, Mother Buleah. Your love and kindness will remain in our hearts always.