Mrs. Essie Jean Johnson Coney affectionately known as "Ma" or "Far, Far Away Grandmother" was born October 20, 1936 in Dublin, Georgia to the late Joseph & Maria Johnson.  She moved to Belle Glade, Florida in the late 1940's where she attended schools in the Palm Beach County School District.

She met and joined in Holy Matrimony to the late Earnest Coney, Sr. on October 5, 1959 in Nunda, New York. To this union there were 7 children born. Mrs. Essie loved fishing, shopping and reading her bible daily. She was a farm worker and co-owner of Coney Trucking where she retired.

She leaves to cherished memories with her beloved children: Shirley Coney of Tampa, FL, Clarence Coney, Sr. of Belle Glade, FL, Georgia (Roosevelt) Cannon of South Bay, FL, Roger (Renee') Coney of South Bay, FL; two sister-in-laws: Gennie Mae Braxton of Homestead, FL, Martha Colbert of Belle Glade, FL; one god child: Gillian Edwards of Belle Glade, FL; a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and her caretaker, Gladys Metalus and special friends.