Mary Jean Jones
February 25, 1932 – November 10, 2017
Mary Jean Jones was born in Winter Haven, Florida to Charles and Gladys Butts and later moved to her father’s family farm in Arnoldsville, Georgia as a young girl. At 11 years of age, Mary Jean made goals for her life that she would like to be married, have children, and bring them up in the Christian faith. Mary Jean fulfilled those promises.
While working at the University of Georgia, Mary Jean met the love of her life, Dr. Marion L. Jones. They were married a year later and were together for almost 50 years before his death in October 2011.
Mary Jean at an early age displayed a special gift for playing the piano “by ear” and delighted friends and family for all the years of her life with her talent. She loved playing the piano before church services at The Wendell United Methodist Church and playing and working with the youth choir. When her mother moved into the Mayview Convalescent Home, Mary Jean entertained the residents by playing old familiar songs from their youth. After her mother’s death, Mary Jean continued to visit Mayview singing and playing for the patients and staff because, as she said, “I enjoy seeing the residents light up when I play their music.”
In 1987, Mary Jean was awarded the Wendell Mayor’s Award for her service in helping others, quietly and lovingly with no expectation of recognition or reward. It was an award she was shocked to receive, but delighted to accept.
Mary Jean loved children and she and Marion taught Sunday School at The Wendell United Methodist Church for several years. They both loved the Lord and shared their faith throughout their lifetimes.
Mary Jean is survived by her daughter Jeanie Jones of Wendell; son, Bill (Jessica) Jones of Franklinton and 3 grandsons, Isaac (Sarah), Adam (Ashley) and Micah; sister, Carol Frank (Peter) of Great Neck, NY; niece, Dara Freimark (Joel) and grandnephew, Oz of Brooklyn, NY; and nephew, David Frank of Brooklyn, NY.
A Memorial Service will be held at The Wendell United Methodist Church in Wendell, NC on Tuesday, November 14th at 1:00 pm with visitation to follow.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to The Food Pantry or The Music Ministry at The Wendell United Methodist Church in Wendell, NC.
The Jones family would like to extend our thanks to all who have reached out in love during our time of grief.
5 Comments
Bill I am so sorry about your Mom, but glad to know that she will be with our Lord and Savior for all eternity.
Devra
Jeanie, George told me this morning about the loss of Mary Jean, I was truly shocked and sorry to hear this. She was a loving and thoughtful person and I will truly miss seeing her. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. George’s Secretary, Donna McLaird
Mary Jean will always hold a special place in my heart– Condolences to Jeanie, Carol & family and to Bill & Jessica and their family–
Mary Jean was a sweet cousin. Growing up in Indiana, I didn’t get to be around her as much as I would have loved to, but every time I was, she was so sweet to me. Such a beautiful person, inside and out! And, oh, how I loved to hear her play the piano! My sincere love and prayers are with you Jeanne, Bill, Carol, and all your family. May God bring you comfort and peace, knowing she is with Him in Heaven now. Love to you all!
While words fail to capture the pain of losing a loved one. We look forward to the time when words will fail to capture the joy of having our Heavenly Father return your dear one to you. ( John 5:28,29 ) Please accept our sincere condolences.
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