Danielle Simone Haywood was born on June 6, 1968, to the late Bernadette Hankerson and John Haywood. From an early age, Danielle possessed a strong spirit, a determined heart, and a natural instinct to care for those she loved. Throughout her life, she was known for her resilience, strength, sense of humor, and unwavering commitment to her family.

Danielle was raised in Jersey City, New Jersey, where she attended Jersey City Public Schools and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1988. She continued her education by attending business school in her early twenties. Throughout her life, she held various positions, including working as a home health aide, with the United States Postal Service, as an airport customer service agent, and in security. Danielle understood the value of hard work. She was resourceful and determined to make a way for herself, even when life presented challenges.

Danielle was united in marriage to Melvin Tyrone Jones, and from this union, she welcomed her one and only son, Matik Jones, on October 17, 1989. Becoming a mother marked a meaningful chapter in Danielle’s life.

To know Danielle was to know a woman who was outspoken, adventurous, and unapologetically herself. Described by her family as a fighter and a strong-willed woman, Danielle was never one to back down from a challenge. She stood firm in her beliefs, spoke her mind, and lived life on her own terms.

Danielle shared a special connection with her son, Matik, whom she loved dearly. She also held an important place in the lives of her siblings, Darnell, Stephanie “Monique” Haywood, and Zakiyyah. As one of the older siblings, Danielle naturally stepped into the role of caretaker and protector. Her siblings affectionately described her as the “mother of the house,” someone who was always looking out for everyone and making sure they were taken care of. Although each shared their own unique relationship with Danielle, they all described her in the same way: their protector. Whether as a mother or a sister, Danielle was someone her family knew they could count on.

For Danielle, family was more than relationships or titles. It was about showing up, looking out for one another, and being there when it mattered most. She demonstrated her love through her actions and the care she showed those closest to her.

Danielle also knew how to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. She especially loved seafood, with fresh crabs being one of her absolute favorites. She had a big personality, a memorable presence, and a spirit that was uniquely her own.

Danielle’s life was a reflection of perseverance and love. Beneath her tough exterior was a woman who cared deeply for her family. Her legacy will live on through the lives she touched, the bonds she nurtured, and the countless memories shared by those who loved her.

Danielle was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Bernadette Hankerson.

Danielle leaves to cherish her memory her beloved son, Matik Jones; her father, John “Junior” Haywood; her three siblings, Darnell Haywood, Stephanie “Monique” Haywood, and Zakiyyah Fadwah Tutler; and her four cherished grandchildren, La’Mya Jones, Matik Jones Jr., Zayden Jones, and Averi Jones-Jackson.

She also leaves behind her maternal aunts, Gertrude Manuel and Stephanie Fuller-Rodgers; her nieces, Bernadette Bash, NyAsia Williams, and Nadirah Tutler; her nephew, Darnell Haywood Jr.; and her great-nephews, Jayden and Jayceon Smallwood. Danielle also leaves behind her special friend, Barry Fair, along with a host of extended family members and dear friends who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts.

Danielle will be remembered for her strength, her courage, her determination, and, above all, her fierce love for her family. Though her physical presence will be deeply missed, the love she gave and the memories she created will remain with her family forever.

Forever our protector. Forever in our hearts