Joy Jones passed away on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at the age of 90 after a brief illness and a long and happy life. She was born in Marshall to her parents, T.P. and Jane Smith. She loved spending her early summers with her family in Alabama and at Camp Fern, where she was a member of both tribes, Benas and Owaissos.

She graduated from Marshall High School, and then earned her college degree in biology and chemistry at Randolph Macon Woman's College in Lynchburg, Virginia. Following college, she married Oscar Jones in Marshall in 1949. She owned and operated the Brownstone Gallery needlepoint shop with daughter Diane for several years.

Traveling was a large part of her life, but nothing gave her more pleasure than a trip down the road to the Jonesville General Store.

Those who knew Joy knew how generous she was with her time and resources for all of her friends, family and those in need. Her name Joy truly epitomized her life.

She was instrumental in the conception and founding of many Marshall establishments, including the Marshall Civic Center and the Michelson Museum of Art. She also served on the hospital board and was a Camp Fire leader and Cub Scout den mother. She was a charter member of the Forum 50 club and a member of Club 25. She was a very active member of the First United Methodist Church and served the church in various capacities, including Sunday school teacher, altar coordinator and missions committee.

Joy had a tremendous love for nature, her gardens and everything that breathes life. A true animal lover, she could never pass an animal in need without helping.

She leaves only happy memories to her family: children, Eliza and Monte Bacon, Bennett and Chris Jones and Diane Jones; grandchildren, Alicia Willeford, Shane Bacon, Monica Kellogg, Taylor Jones and Merrill Jones; great-grandchildren, Jack Willeford, Sam Willeford, Kyle Heinze and Drew Heinze. Also considered as family were Dr. Paul Anderson and her beloved dogs, Sammy and Abby.

Heartfelt thanks and appreciation go to her faithful caregivers: Marilyn Kelley, Pat Lewis and Judy Herbert, and to the staff and residents of Oakwood House, who welcomed her with open arms.

In keeping with Joy's spirit of giving, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations in her name be made to the Michelson Museum of Art, the Pet Place, the First United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice.

A celebration of her life will be conducted at First United Methodist Church at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 9, 2016. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m., Friday, January 8, 2016 at Downs Funeral Home.