Delmera Rebecca Allison-Jones, affectionately known by those who loved her as Aunty Bea, Del or Slim, was born in Clarendon, Jamaica to Herbert and Rebecca Allison, on September 23, 1958. The Allisons are a close-knit family, and Delmera was the youngest daughter. She attended Rock River Primary School and Rock River High School. After completing high school, she moved to Kingston to live with her aunt and uncle, Marian and Cecil Mason. There, she attended St. George’s College, where she earned her A-Levels—the equivalent of an associate degree here in the States.

As a young girl growing up in Jamaica, Delmera lived with the challenges of sickle cell disease. Her older brother John would often take her outside to sit in the sun, believing it might ease her pain; and she would happily insist that it did. Despite the hardships, those early years played a powerful role in shaping her strength and resilience.

From an early age, Delmera displayed a strong sense of independence; she was feisty and strong-willed. Once, as a young girl, when her mother had gone to Kingston for a few days, Delmera was tasked with cooking dinner for the family in her stead. One evening, her father expressed some dissatisfaction with the meal. Unbothered, Delmera replied, “You better eat it. You have no wife here, so this is what you get.” That moment became a beloved anecdote among her siblings for many years.

In 1987, Delmera immigrated to the United States to live with her brother Cyril, his wife Paulean, and their two children, Cyril Jr. and Michelle, in Mattapan, MA. Soon after, she moved in across the street with her sister Anietia, her husband Sunny, and their two young daughters, Felicia and Patricia. During this time, Delmera’s bond with her sister grew even stronger, as she happily stepped in to help raise her nieces. She loved on them, cuddled them, soothed them, and disciplined them as if they were her own. She would often be found with Felicia in one arm and Patricia in the other, singing, “Hush mommy’s baby, hush daddy’s dumpling.” Anietia and Delmera treasured their “sister talks,” where they shared their hopes, dreams, and daily reflections.

It was during one of those sister talks, in 1988, that Delmera shared how a handsome gentleman had caught her eye at work. That gentleman was Dexter Jones, a young security guard at the Westin Hotel, whom she would often see from her post at the switchboard. One day, he walked over and invited her to lunch in the cafeteria. That first lunch turned into daily meals, movie dates, and long evening chats. It wasn’t long before Dexter and Delmera knew they were meant for each other. They were married in October 1989.

Delmera’s greatest joy in life was becoming a mother to her two children, Rochelle and Marcus. She once confided in Dexter that, due to her illness, she had been hesitant to have children, as she was afraid she wouldn’t live long enough to raise them. It was a fear that weighed heavily on her heart. But in 1990, she experienced what she called the best day of her life, the birth of her first miracle, Rochelle. Two years later, she welcomed her second miracle, Marcus into the world. With Dexter by her side, Delmera poured her love, energy, and strength into raising their children in Boston.

In 1998 Delmera began a 20-year career with the MBTA, in customer service roles assisting the public. While working for the MBTA, Delmera developed relationships with her colleagues that turned into lifelong friendships. These bonds extended beyond work. She and her colleagues traveled together, raised their children side by side, and supported one another like family. Tragically, in 2018 Delmera suffered a knee infection which resulted in her medically retiring from the MBTA.

Delmera never let her health struggles steal her joy. She rarely complained. Instead, she filled her family’s lives with adventure: family vacations, new foods, shared laughter, and memories that would last a lifetime. She taught Rochelle and Marcus the importance of education and the standard she often jokingly set: never settle for less than a B. She also passed down the value of home cooking, keeping a tidy space, and taking pride in creating a warm, welcoming home.

In her later years, Delmera and Rochelle often laughed about how their roles had reversed. With a smile and a playful tone, Delmera would ask, “When did you become the mommy?” as Rochelle lovingly and proudly cared for her. It was a tender reflection of their deep bond, filled with grace, humor, and mutual devotion.

Delmera’s strength lives on in her children. Through Rochelle and Marcus, you can see her fierce determination, bold spirit and unshakable sense of self. They often say they carry their mother’s fire within them. It shows in how they face challenges, speak up for what they believe in, and love without limits. Delmera’s love for Rochelle and Marcus was deep, unwavering, and full of purpose. She raised them not just to survive, but to thrive. Marcus proudly shares that his mother taught him the value of financial literacy, not just how to manage money, but how to build a life of independence, dignity, and stability. It was one of the many ways she prepared her children to walk confidently into their futures.

In August 2024, Delmera’s love expanded even more with the birth of her granddaughter, Malia. Becoming a grandmother brought her immense joy. She cherished every moment; cuddling Malia, playing peek-a-boo, reading stories, and singing her favorite tune, “Clap your hands for Nana.” Delmera adored Malia and embraced the role of grandmother with pride and delight.

Faith was the cornerstone of Delmera’s life. In both triumph and trial, she leaned on God with gratitude and trust. She believed her strength came from Him, and she instilled in her children the values of prayer, perseverance, and grace. Anyone who met Delmera felt her warmth, energy, and deep faith. Despite living with the pain of sickle cell disease and other ailments, throughout her life, she praised God continually and defied every limitation placed before her. She lived fully, joyfully, and with purpose. Against all medical odds, she graced this world for 66 beautiful years. She endured, she thrived, and she raised two cherished children, deeply loving her family and touching the lives of many.

Delmera was lovingly cared for by her husband and children, who stood by her side through every chapter. On June 17, 2025, she answered God’s call home.

She is survived by her husband of 36 and a half years, Dexter Jones; her daughter, Rochelle Jones; her son, Marcus Jones; her beloved granddaughter, Malia Jones; and her dear cat of 16 years, Dunkin Jones. She also leaves behind her siblings: Cyril Allison Sr., Fergus Allison, Seymour “George” Allison, Cornelius “John” Allison, Anietia Allison-Mann, and Fitzroy Allison; her dear cousin, Evelyn Haywood; and a host of treasured family and friends.

Her spirit lives on in Dexter, Rochelle, Marcus, and Malia, in their strength, their faith, and the way they carry forward her legacy of love, courage, and grace.

Visiting hours will be held at the Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE on Tuesday, July 1st from 5-8PM. Funeral Service Wednesday, July 2nd at Morning Star Baptist Church at 11AM. Interment at St. Michael Cemetery