BY Jurry Taalib-Deen
Journal Staff Writer
Although Ann Jones-King’s birthday was August 3, she had no idea that her family was giving her a surprise party, just the day after, at the Reynolds Rd. Reception Hall, 419 N. Reynolds Rd.
A resident of Las Vegas, Nevada, Ms. Jones-King flew to Toledo, with her daughter, Audrey Sweatt, to participate in a family reunion during the weekend of August 2-4.
The day of the party, Ms. Jones-King was told she was attending her niece, Wanda Presberry, book signing event.
“My sister deserves this party because she is the matriarch of the family,” Barbara Jones-Wilson told The Toledo Journal.
“When we were children, Ann would protect all of us, her siblings. If someone was bullying us, she would give them a good, strong talking, or a beat down,” she said, followed by an outburst of laughter. “So, for everything my sister has done over the years, makes her more than worthy of this party,” Ms. Jones-Wilson said.
“My mom is a beautiful person, with a good heart, and a beautiful spirit,” said Ms. Sweatt, who is one of three children.
“My mom is the type of person who likes to get involved in everything, to help, and make sure it’s successful; she’s a real hands on type of person,” said Ms. Sweatt.
Oddly, she said, her mother was planning her 80th birthday just six months prior. Ms. Sweatt said her mother wasn’t sure rather to have the party in Vegas, or Toledo. She said her mom knew, whichever city she would hold the party in, unfortunately, some people might be left out, something Ms. Jones-King didn’t want to do. Further, with the help of her friend, Neta Johnsons, who had been sending copies of The Toledo Journal to her for years, which kept her informed of the latest news, and societal happenings, Ms. Jones-King would be able to make a better decision. “A cruise it is,” she said to herself.
“I swear, I had no idea I was coming to my surprise party,” Ms. Jones-King said. “All weekend I’ve been at our family reunion, and just last light I was at a baby shower, and there was no indications of a surprise party for me,” she said.
Ms. Jones-King added that, when she first walked into the hall and everyone yelled surprise, “I almost hit the floor, but knew I couldn’t because they might not be able to pick me up.”
About her family giving her the party, Ms. Jones-King said, “My family is good to me. Family is all any of us have; so it’s important to treat them good.”
