Auntie Jo's Memorial

In Loving Memory of Feb. 1, 1946

Jonell Santiago ~
Aug 16, 2020

Wednesday, September 2, 2020 - 1:00pm

Evans-Brown Mortuary
27010 Encanto Drive
Sun City • California

92585
Rev. Morrese Siler, Officiating

The Lasting Memory

Jonell Santiago

Momma was born on February 1, 1946 in Haynesville, Louisiana and was later raised by her Aunt whom
she loved very much. Momma had a difficult upbringing, but she never let the misfortunes of her past dictate who
she’d become. She was poise, gracious, and loving in every way possible. She did things her own way at all times
and was always witty and quick on her feet. She wasn’t a regular grandma, she was a cool grandma. She loved the
Indianapolis Colts, and watched football every Sunday. She could fix cars, renovate her homes, and give you a
mean back hand. She was the definition of strength.

When I was younger, I’d spend almost every weekend with Momma. It didn’t matter what we did, I
always wanted to be around her. Whether we went out shopping (her favorite thing to do), or just stayed home
and watched Ghost Whisperer, nothing made me happier than being by her side. She molded me into the woman
I am today. A while back I joked with Momma and said, “I used to want to go over all the time, and sometimes
you’d just make me clean.” Sometimes we fail to realize it’s the small tasks and obstacles that we face that
ultimately build character. I wasn’t just cleaning, she was teaching me how to do things on my own, and to be
independent and present in everything that I do.

Momma had 3 children: Terry, Lashawn, and Yolanda. 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
Momma loved her children and always told her beloved son Terry, “Who loves you baby?!” She was a wonderful
mom and spent almost every day with her youngest daughter, Yolanda. Their bond was unbreakable and
something to be cherished. Momma was the best grandmother anyone could ask for, and she loved spending
time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Every Holiday was an event at Momma’s. From the
decadent food on Thanksgiving, to the most beautiful trees and decorations on Christmas, Momma made
everyone feel at home. Her delicious cooking is something that I’m sure will be missed by all of us here.

Remember me when I am gone away, Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand.

Momma married my Grandpa Douglas Santiago on October 4, 1997 in Ghost Town Calico. Their wedding
was Western themed and based off of the movie, Tombstone. Their love is something I aspire to have one day.
“For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part.”
Momma and Dougie loved each other every day without question. They taught me the true definition of love and
what it means to stand by the vows you take. Each day of their shared lives, they looked out for each other and
took care of one another. Momma and Dougie taught me to love without conditions. It doesn’t matter what you
have or don’t have. When you love someone, you’re there for them through it all.

Momma was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer March 2017. When she was first diagnosed, I promised
momma I’d be there for her every step of the way. Momma underwent 2 brain surgeries in the short span of a
month. Her second surgery was on Easter, which is typically the day Momma’s up at the crack of dawn preparing
the most amazing ham, greens, candied yams, and peach cobbler. However, this one was different since she was
in the hospital. My mom and I visited her and Dougie in the hospital on Easter, and we all wore bunny ears to keep
her in good spirit. This was my favorite Easter. Just us 4, it was all we needed. Admittedly over time as her health
dwindled, it got harder to see her. My idol who I’d looked up to for years began to shrink and get smaller, but the
smile never left her face which would always bring me the most comfort. Although her body was changing, her
spirit and light never dimmed.

In my almost 24 years of life, the only complaint I’ve ever heard from her was when she was too hot or
too cold. I always told her she was one tough cookie. When you’re faced with trauma at an early age, it’s easy to
feel like you’re a victim in life. She was a rose that grew from concrete. She always said, “You’ll either get over it,
or die mad.” She was a beautiful rose, a true sight to see. She IS love personified. I hope today and every day we
can remember her sweetness and be thankful that we had the opportunity to create memories with someone so
extraordinary. I hope we all remember her radiant smile, warm laugh, and comforting hugs.

There is no one that is more deserving of peace than my sweet Momma. Although I’ll miss her every day
and wish I could have one more moment with her, it was her time. The memories we’ve created and the love
we’ve been able to experience will never fade away. I know her spirit is happy and smiling down upon us right
now.

See you later, Alligator.

Order of Service

WELCOME Momma,
Rev. Morrese Siler
MUSICAL SELECTION For everything I am now and plan to be-
“Amazing Grace” come, I thank you. Thank you for the
Sang by LeAnn Rimes countless weekends of fun, and nights
OPENING PRAYER staying up sewing. Thank you for the
Rev. Morrese Siler sweet potato pies you made just for me.
Old Testament…..Palm 23 Thank you for your radiant smile and un-
New Testament…..John 14:1-7 conditional love. Thank you for raising
POEM READING me to be strong, independent, and full
Krstyle Saunders of grace. Most of all, thank you for being
the glue that held our family together.
EULOGY You are an angel sent from God, and I’m
Laloni Parks grateful I got to experience your love
MUSICAL SELECTION and presence. Without you here life will
“Missing You” never be the same, but I hope each day I
By Brandi, Tamia, Gladys, and Chaka can continue to make you proud.
REFLECTIONS I love you as many grains of sand there
Family and Friends are in the whole entire universe, Mom-
VIDEO TRIBUTE ma. I know, “That’s a whole lotta lovin’.”
Evans-Brown Mortuary
WORDS OF COMFORT Love your Honey,
Rev. Morrese Siler Laloni Doll

Honorary Pallbearers

Terry Traylor Sr. Mack Green
Terry Traylor Jr. Marquise Green
Eugene McFadden DeMarcus Bailey

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art
with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head
with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the
house of the Lord for ever.

As I Sit Here Safe in Heaven

As I sit in heaven
And I watch you everyday,
I try to let you know with signs, I never went away.
I hear you when your laughing
And watch you as you sleep.
I even place my arms around you, to calm you as you weep.
I see you wish the days away,
Begging to have me home.
I try to send you signs, so you know you are not alone.
Don't feel guilty you have a life

That was denied to me.
Heaven is truly beautiful just you wait and see,

So live your life, laugh again,
Enjoy yourself and be free.
Then I know with every breath you take, you'll be taking one for me!!!!!

In Loving Memory of Jonell Santiago

Forever My Love

I was suppose to spend the rest of my life with you. Dear Momma,
And then I realized…
Let me start by saying, I miss you
You spent the rest of your life with me. Momma. I never imagined life
I smile because I know you loved me until the day without you. I miss you so much. I’m
in so much pain, but I am a product of
you went away. you, a wise woman built with great
And will keep loving me… strength and resilience. You’ve given
Until the day we’re together again. and taught me so much, so I know I
I love you Babe. You will always be my backbone. will eventually be okay. The one thing
that gives me comfort is knowing
Love, Doug you’re NO LONGER in PAIN. Anyone
with your courage, strength, and
beauty should never have to suffer.
So Momma, rest easy and know that I
will miss you everyday for the rest of
my life!

I love you Momma!

Your baby girl Londa!

A grandmother is a remarkable woman. She's a wonderful
combination of warmth , kindness, laughter, and love. Grand-
mothers always say things to make you feel special. There
will never be another place that feels like home, cause it's
not “Momma’s” house. I'm going to miss you my best friend
and pretty little lady. I promise I'll keeping doing everything
you wanted me to do and more. Your memory will forever be
with us and my kids will know everything about you. Until we
meet again my angel, I will love you forever rest in paradise.
Love, Krstyle

Acknowledgements

Words of thanks seem so inadequate for all of the kindness that has been bestowed upon our family. We
thank you for the encouraging visits, the comforting calls, the lovely cards, and the sincere words of solace.
We are finding strength in knowing earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. May God bless you richly

for blessing us. The Traylor and Santiago Family

The Repast for family
and friends will be im-
mediately following

services at:
1526 W. 81st Street

Los Angeles, CA
90047



















In Loving Memory

Jonell Santiago

We will always love you
and be in our memory forver!

Remembering You Always.Com