Mrs. Velma Jones

Appalachia, VA Velma Jones, 97, passed away on Sunday, October, 6, 2013 at the Mountain View Regional Medical Center in Norton, VA. Velma was born in Brent, Ala. on February 12, 1916. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bruzee Jones; and parents, Avery and Dora Mason. Velma accepted her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at an early age. She united with Macedonia Baptist Church in Appalachia, VA, where she was a faithful member and servant. She served as a deaconess, a member of the church's treasury committee and as a representative and secretary of the Macedonia Baptist Missionary Auxiliary. She was also a dedicated member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Later in life, she enjoyed attending the Appalachia Senior Citizens Center. She married Bruzee Jones on September 25, 1938. From their union, they became the proud parents of six children. She was the epitome of the word "Mama." She was an excellent cook, loved taking care of her children and grandchildren and enjoyed the fact of being present during the birth of each grandchild. In addition, she cherished having her grandchildren home during the holidays and summer months. Velma worked tirelessly as a presser at the Norton Garment Factory. While rearing her six children, she was employed in many homes as a domestic worker. She also enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren play sports. To rejoice in her spiritual home going, yet earthly sorrow; she leaves to cherish her memory four sons and two daughters: Rev. Robert L. Jones (Ethel, deceased), pastor, Queen Anne Baptist Church, Trenton, KY, Earnestine White, Kingsport, TN, Thomas A. Jones (Betty), Big Stone Gap, VA, James E. Jones (Sandra), Big Stone Gap, David E. Jones Nashville, TN and Nora (Joseph) Hardison, Gate City, VA; grandchildren, Christine (Marvin) Easter, Monica Jones, Wanda Sebree, Dale Rucker (Deceased), Sophia (George) McKinney, Sylvester Peterson, Sherri Pratt, Bridget Wimbush, Gwendolyn McDonald, Beatrice Jones, Thomas Quinn Jones, Knetris Jones, Julius Jones (Kelly), Knetta Jones, Katrice Jones, Erica Counts, Enjoli Turner, Erick Hardison, Andrea Hardison, Jennifer Hardison, Tyrell Hardison (Tabitha); and 19 great grandchildren; several great-great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday at Holding Funeral Home (17 E. 3rd St., N.) in Big Stone Gap. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Gary Bryant, Rev. N. A. Kirby, Rev. Ronnie Collins, Elder Carolyn Smith, and Rev. Alan Collier officiating.. Burial will follow in the Oakview Cemetery in Big Stone Gap. Family will serve as pallbearers. To view the obituary online and offer condolences, please visit www.holdingfuneralhome.com. Holding Funeral Home is serving the Jones family.