Carolyn Lilly Jones, passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at her home.  She was a native of Gainesville, Georgia and the daughter of Evelyn Hurst Lilly and John Webster Lilly. She was a graduate of Gainesville High School and the University of Georgia, holding degrees in English and Secondary Education. She enjoyed the women’s swim team and glee club and was a member of the Phi Mu Sorority at Georgia. While at school, Carole also met and married her husband of nearly 50 years, Charles M. Jones. The couple married after graduation and moved to Hinesville in Liberty County, Georgia, where Charlie practiced law and Carole taught English at Bradwell Institute. Over the coming years, she would serve as president for the Bacon Primary School PTA, Southeastern Garden Club, and Women of the First Presbyterian Church. She was also a member of the Women’s Fishing Association, Commercial Design Association, Dorchester Presbyterian Church, and the Chatham Club. Her true passion was for the Georgia Coast, where she lived on Colonel’s Island for more than 50 years after settling there. Her door was always open for guests and drop-ins to share refreshments as they watched the sun set over the picturesque marshlands and waterways she loved so dearly. Carole also spent many occasions fishing off her dock and navigating the rivers and creeks in search of blue crabs and redfish. Carole was a tried and true Georgia Bulldog fan, always eager to talk football and cheer on the Dawgs each season. She was also a voracious reader, always with a new novel or non-fiction work in hand after her daily swim. She spent her final days in her home at Maxwellton resting peacefully in the hands of wonderful caregivers, and among dear family and friends.

Carole is preceded in death by her late husband, Charles Maury Jones, son Charles Jay Jones, and son-in-law, John Allen Davis.

She is survived by her daughter Maury Jones Davis, grandson Mitchell Allen Davis and his wife Morgan Davis, granddaughter Kathryn Lane Davis, grandson John Carmichael Davis, his wife Hannah Sexton Davis and great-grandchildren Simms, Ellis, and Vance Davis, along with grandson Nicholas Greer Davis. She is also survived by her faithful canine companion Max, and longtime friend and partner, Joseph Parker.

Plans for a memorial service to follow. Interment will be held privately.