Earlene Lucy Jones

Earlene Lucy Jones, age 65, passed away on September 11, 2025. Earlene entered the gates to Heaven with her son Matthew Earl by her side. Earlene was born on July 9, 1960 to Virginia Big Talk and Earl Jones Jr.

She graduated from Poplar High School in 1979. She worked at the Poplar Hospital as a CNA. She also worked for many years at the Fort Peck Tribes Minerals Department. She later stopped working and became a homemaker. Always cooking or baking something delicious. She made awesome sugar cookies, peanut butter cookies, her peanut butter frosting was the bomb!

Earlene met the love of her life Russell “Schmo” Black Thunder. To this union their only son Matthew Earl Black Thunder was born. They later separated but remained very good friends throughout the years. Matt was their world.

Earlene was very fashionable. Always dressed to the nines. Matching from head to toe. Hair down to her knees. Always a smile on her face. She was very passionate about her gardening and growing her sunflowers. Always sharing her harvest with everyone. She was an advocate of Food Sovereignty. Something she believed in whole heartedly. She was also active in community organizations.

Earlene will be remembered for having a loving and caring heart. No matter who it was she always stopped to listen and lend a helping hand. She always greeted you with a smile, and left you with an “I Love You” and warm hug.

Earlene gave her heart to God. And attended church and bible study at the Pentecostal Church of God. She loved going to church and held a special place for her church family.

Earlene is survived by her mother Vivian Jones; sisters DeAnna Jones (Sam Red Star) and Marta Jones; brother Mevin Hale Jr of Englewood, CO; adopted son Octavio Williams of Billings, MT; nieces Christine Jones, Raina and Sami Red Star and Antoinette WiseSpirit; nephews Marcus Hale, Myles, Brent, William and Earl Jones, Duran Taylor; grandchildren Nicholas, Gabriel, Mia, LaTia, Hunter, Brent Jr., Azalea and Eli Jones, Kahomi, Angela, Patricia and Audrey, Tefton Bear, Joseph Youpee; aunts Rose Morsette, Naomi Young, Juanita Youngman, Donna Follette.

Earlene came from a huge family on all sides. Too many to name. But please know that she loved you all. Extended family includes: Jones, Big Talk, Walking Eagle, Lewis, Melbourne, Fast horse, Bird, Gray Hawk, Eagleman and White Hawk.

Earlene was preceded in death by her mother Virgina Big Talk; her father Earl Jones Jr.; brothers Tony Lee, Guy, William Earl, Darrell Moses and Earl Jones III; niece Heather Ann Jones.

Earlene was an animal lover. She would often feed the stray animals downtown. She had by her side her boy Pepper, her two girls Ablazin and Cicely. Also, her cats Maxx, Bobbi and Gar. She loved them with all her heart.

Earlene: our daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, cousin and friend, you will be greatly missed. We will speak of you often. Remember your laughter and all the loving and crazy memories we have of you. Your warm hug and “I Love You”.

Matthew Earl: our grandson, nephew, cousin and uncle, we will miss you dearly. You entered the gates of Heaven with your momma. We will cherish your memory always. Love you both forever.

Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.