STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — In recent weeks, St. Philip’s Baptist Church has mourned the loss of several women whose lives were deeply intertwined with the ministry and mission.
Through decades of service, faith, and leadership, Mother Etta Jones, Mother Barbara Christopher and Deacon Annetta Morris helped shape the spiritual and communal life of the Stapleton church.
From left to right, Ashleigh Elliott, 9, Zonease Porter, Jocelyn Jackson-Porter, 12, and Mother Etta Jones are pictured in this photo taken Aug. 17, 2008, at the Staaten, West Brighton, for the St. Philip’s Baptist Church scholarship awards dinner. Jones died Dec. 24, 2025, at age 95.
(Staten Island Advance)Mother Etta Jones
Mother Etta Mae Jones, who died Dec. 24, 2025, at age 95, lived a life defined by service, education and unwavering faith.
Born July 6, 1930, in Lattimore, North Carolina, Jones was the eldest of 13 children raised on a hardworking family farm rooted in love and responsibility.
Her pursuit of higher education led her to New York, where she earned a degree in radiologic technology, graduating at the top of her class, and later obtained a master’s degree.
A lover of plays and performance, Jones had a deep appreciation for storytelling and meaningful expression — passions that ultimately guided her to St. Philip’s Baptist Church.
It was there that Jones found a lasting spiritual home and met her husband, Carl, with whom she shared 46 years of marriage. Their life together was marked by both heartbreak and joy, including the loss of a son who was stillborn and the blessing of raising their daughter, Marcea.
At St. Philip’s, Jones was deeply involved in church life, serving in the Sunday School, Missionary Ministry and choir. She was also a member of the Guiding Lights Church Choir, later known as the Senior Choir, and the Senior Ministry. A trained medical professional, she gave herself as a church nurse and found joy supporting the church’s Summer Vacation Bible School program.
Jones was known for her love of fellowship, regularly participating in church outings and events, and for the warmth she shared with her church family. She was also a proud member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
Following her death, tributes poured in from fellow congregants and community members.
In a message shared on Facebook, Kimberly Knight wrote: “My thoughts and prayers are with the St. Philip’s and Jones families. She was an extraordinary woman of God. One of the kindest, sweetest souls I’ve ever met. Rest well, Mother Jones. Rest well.”
Mother Barbara Christopher, right, is pictured in this photo taken March 7, 2025, with Julie Moody Lewis, president of the Sandy Ground Historical Society. Christopher died Dec. 22, 2025, at the age of 85. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Mother Barbara Christopher
Mother Barbara Ann Christopher died Dec. 22, 2025, at the age of 85.
A Staten Island resident, Christopher was a faithful member of St. Philip’s Baptist Church for several years.
She served through the church’s Missionary Ministry and the Charles K. Smith Scholarship Committee, reflecting a deep commitment to service, education and community support.
In a Facebook tribute, Kindra Norwood recalled Christopher as her kindergarten teacher. “I still remember her sweet bubbling personality,” wrote Norwood. “My heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family throughout their grievance.”
Others shared similar sentiments. Joan Rannie described Christopher as “a kind, wonderful friend” and “a true child of God,” adding she “will be remembered and never forgotten.”
From left to right, Mable Roberts, Deacon Annetta Morris and Paulette Crosland gather for the annual brunch of the National Council of Negro Women, North Shore-Staten Island Section, in this photo taken April 9, 2006. Morris died Jan. 8, 2026, at the age of 92. (Advance/SILive.com | Jin Lee)Deacon Annetta Morris
Deacon Annetta Marion Smith Morris died Jan. 8, 2026, at the age of 92.
As a deacon at St. Philip’s Baptist Church, Morris served with leadership, dedication and spiritual guidance, playing a significant role in the Sunday School Ministry.
Her work focused on supporting the congregation and strengthening the church’s mission, and she was known for her steadfast faith and commitment to service.
Those who knew her personally remembered her as a source of care and compassion. In a Facebook message, Yvonne Burkhalter wrote: “Deacon Annetta Morris was a sister to me since I was a teenager. She was always caring and loving to me and she will be truly missed.”
Church leaders said the nearly simultaneous loss of these women has been deeply felt, but their influence continues to shape the church and its community.