TURASHEIVA

In 1991, Melba D. Wannamaker-Jones passed from a brain tumour and lung cancer; her final request to Jones’ brother being “raise my baby til she get eighteen, then let her go”, which he did. Following their mother’s passing, Jones and her brother lived with their grandfather and cousins in (at times) destitute conditions; they had no running water and sometimes meals consisted of bologna sandwiches and T.V. dinners. Darren, her brother, was an awesome cook. Sunday dinner was never missed! After her mother's passing, she went to live with her maternal cousin Hazel Norris, where she “learned how to live as a young woman and anything pertaining to womanhood” as well as grew up around other children. In school, her favorite class was music, fondly remembering her teacher Mrs. Ethington at Pacolet Elementary School.

The following year, in 1994, Jones moved back with her brother. Her grandfather, Deacon Bobby Palmer was a prominent figure in ensuring she did well in school, and showing her that she could achieve anything once she was determined. This year was a pivotal moment in Jones’ life, as she witnessed her father on drugs and made the conscious decision to never experience the same struggle. Following this, in 1995, she joined the choir at Montgomery Chapel Baptist Church and was baptised at age twelve.

In 1996, Jones entered Middle School of Pacolet and music became a stronger presence in her life, joining the school’s chorus and band, being advised by her teacher Mrs. Gayle High and earning a standing ovation during her first solo with her church choir. This led her to believe that she could become someone bigger than her imagination could fathom. The next four years saw Jones’ musical and performance potential develop, starting with her attending a Y.O.U. (Young Opportunities Unlimited) program at Limestone College in 1998; winning the talent show at the end of the eight week training program, singing ‘His Eye is on The Sparrow’. In 1999, she began attending Getty's D. Broome High School. She was also asked to sing the National Anthem for a basketball game at Limestone College. Jones also began composing her own music and recording in private studios. The following year, she improved her performance skills through drama class and continued to receive more performance opportunities....READ MORE at www.turasheiva.com