Ellen W. JONES

SMITHFIELD - Ellen Woodard Jones, 61, of Johnson City, Tenn., died on Oct. 21, 2011.
Ellen was born June 8, 1950, in Norfolk, Va., to the late Maxwell and Margaret Woodard, and raised in Bacon's Castle, Va. She moved with her family to several east coast cities before returning to her home in Bacon's Castle. She later moved to Smithfield, Va., where she graduated from Smithfield High School in 1969. After graduation, she attended Virginia Intermont College in Bristol, Va., where she majored in art.
Ellen was a friend to all. Her gentle spirit was quite infectious to all that met her. She truly enjoyed life and had a laugh that could entertain a room full of strangers. She knew no stranger and offered all that she had to others. This selfless giving was exemplified in her donation of her organs to others. She was an avid animal lover and leaves behind several beloved cats.
She is survived by her husband, Wilson (Bucky) Jones Jr. of Johnson City Tenn.; her daughters, Kelly Jones Harris and husband, Brian, and Mary Ellen Jones of Johnson City, Tenn. Also surviving are her brothers, Mike Woodard and his wife, Linda, and Brian Woodard of Smithfield, Va.; her niece, Kathy Woodard Robinson and husband, Doug of Smithfield, Va. As "Gammama," a role she cherished, Ellen also leaves her loving granddaughter, Makinzi of Johnson City, Tenn.
At her request, a private graveside service will be held at St. Luke's Cemetery in Smithfield, Va. Friends are invited to celebrate her life from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., Oct. 25, 2011, at 245 Lane Crescent, Smithfield, Va.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Washington County/Johnson City Humane Society, P.O. BOX 4090, Johnson City, TN 37602; or Isle of Wight County Humane Society, P.O. BOX 273. Smithfield, VA 23431.
Arrangements are in the care of Colonial Funeral Home, Smithfield, Va. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.