Celebrating the life of
Mary Elizabeth Jones
October 28, 1916 - October 19, 2012
Mary Elizabeth Evans Jones
Mary Elizabeth Evans Jones, 95, passed away on Friday, October 19, 2012 at Spanish Oaks Retreat and Hospice in Savannah, GA. Mary was born to Erastus and Eliza Batton Evans in Hattiesburg, Mississippi on October 28, 1916. She was a graduate of Laurel MS High School and Whitworth College in Brookhaven, Mississippi. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Robert Cook Jones, her sister Sarah Margaret Evans Funchess, and her brothers George Alexander Evans, Robert Stapleton Evans, and William Henry Evans. After her brother Henry's death on D-Day in WWII, Mary joined the U.S. Navy as a WAVE to take his place in service to our country. She trained at Hunter College in New York and was stationed at Pensacola, Florida.
Mary will be remembered for her faith and service to the Crystal Springs United Methodist Church where she worked diligently in the Women's Society of Christian Service and the Mary Martha Circle. During the early days of desegregation she was an ardent supporter of the public schools of Mississippi and was elected one of the first female school board members in the state, an office she proudly held until the 1980's.
She was a lady of true Southern grace and dignity, with a heart of kindness and a spirit of generosity. She was the consummate hostess, cook, gardener and good neighbor to all. She opened her home for Floral Club, garden club, music club and DAR meetings, as well as for her favored Thursday afternoon bridge club. Her front porch was the afternoon gathering place for her beloved neighbors and her kitchen was where the children gathered to help her make her tea cake cookies. She also loved cheering for the Ole Miss Rebels and any team led by the Mannings. At the age of 80, Mary moved to Savannah, Georgia so that she could attend athletic games, recitals, and celebrations in which her grandchildren were involved.
She is survived by her children Elizabeth Henderson and Dr. Robert E. Jones and his wife Mimi; and grandchildren Jennifer Lauren Henderson, Robert Evans Jones, Jr., and Katherine Markley Jones all of Savannah.
A celebration of her life and interment will be at a later date in Crystal Springs, MS with family and friends.
Memorials may be made to:
Crystal Springs United Methodist Church, 306 W. Georgetown St., Crystal Springs, MS 39059 www.crystalsprings-umc.org or
Isle of Hope United Methodist Church, 412 Parkersburg Road, Savannah, GA 31406 www.iohumc.com.
Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
I will miss my sweet neighbor, I feel fortunate she was a part of our family. Mary Ellen,D.,Greg, Christina,Little D., and Conalie. She was like a mom & grandmother to us.
- Mary Ellen Ward, Savannah, GA
We will forever cherish the memories of holiday gatherings with Mary, Robert, Mimi, Evans, Markley, Elizabeth and Jennifer. Mary was the epitome of true southern charm! Mary Ann, Bill, Patricia and Lindsey Forrester
- Mary Ann Forrester, Savannah, GA
Momma Mary you will be missed dearly. We all loved you lots. Now Louis can't tease you about sleeping under the dryer.
- Louis, Sara, Tonya Jenkins, Savannah, GA
Ms. Mary was loved by all who met her. She touched my heart and although I know she is home and happy, she will be missed.
- Stephanie Kirchner, Savannah, GA
I will miss my sweet neighbor, I feel fortunate she was a part of our family. Mary Ellen,D.,Greg, Christina,Little D., and Conalie. She was like a mom & grandmother to us.
- Mary Ellen Ward, Savannah, GA
We will forever cherish the memories of holiday gatherings with Mary, Robert, Mimi, Evans, Markley, Elizabeth and Jennifer. Mary was the epitome of true southern charm! Mary Ann, Bill, Patricia and Lindsey Forrester
- Mary Ann Forrester, Savannah, GA
Momma Mary you will be missed dearly. We all loved you lots. Now Louis can't tease you about sleeping under the dryer.
- Louis, Sara, Tonya Jenkins, Savannah, GA
Ms. Mary was loved by all who met her. She touched my heart and although I know she is home and happy, she will be missed.
- Stephanie Kirchner, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
