Barbara Bruce Duke Jones

Barbara Bruce Duke Jones, 74, of Montpelier passed away March 5, 2016 at home. She was predeceased by her father, L. Andrew Duke, Sr. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, J. Ernest Jones, Jr.; her mother, Lillian Moody Duke of Beaverdam; her brothers, L. Andrew Duke, Jr. (Rebecca) of Glen Allen and J. Michael Duke (Jeanean) of Beaverdam; her children, Anne Noel Jones Dawson (Alec) of Greenwich, CT, John E. Jones III (Krista) of Montpelier, B. Sagle Jones Purcell (Tup) of Montpelier. Barbara is also survived by seven grandchildren, Katherine Dawson, William Dawson, Jack Jones, Stefan Jones, Addison Purcell, Tee Purcell and Carter Purcell and numerous loving nieces and nephews. Barbara graduated from the Montpelier High School in 1959 and from Mary Washington College in 1963. Following college, she taught art in the Richmond Public School system. While raising her three children, Barbara found time to paint and draw, all while being extremely active in her local community. Art was a lifelong passion for Barbara, evidenced by developing her own talent and in encouraging greater participation and enjoyment of art throughout her community. Barbara loved to travel to paint on location within the U.S. and overseas, with a particular passion for her native Hanover County, the mountains of Virginia and rural Italy. Barbara's involvement in her local community included the Henry Clay Women's Club where she served as president, the Ashland Junior Women's Club, the Hanover Arts and Activities Center, the Scotchtown Chapter of the DAR, Shiloh United Methodist Church and The Newfound River Garden Club. Barbara also served on the Hanover County Planning Commission for 16 years, including as Vice Chairman and Chairman. Barbara worked through these organizations to ensure that growth in Hanover County was mindful of both the unique qualities of the area and of its history. Following her tenure on the Planning Commission, Barbara, with a group of other concerned citizens, worked to save the old Montpelier High School and convert it to The Montpelier Center for Arts and Education. Her efforts and vision since 1987 have significantly contributed to the success of the Center as an important community institution. Barbara has served in numerous roles at the Center, including as its president. In honor of her contribution, the Center's art studio was named for her. In 2014, she was a recipient of the Hanover County Historical Society's Patrick Henry Leadership Award, recognizing her efforts in preserving Hanover's rich history and heritage. Barbara's warmth, kindness, common sense and sense of humor drew people to her and she was a loyal and supportive daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She enjoyed her time with others and treasured her many relationships. A memorial gathering celebrating Barbara's life will be held from 2 - 4 p.m., with brief remarks at 3 p.m., Thursday, March 10 at The Montpelier Center for Arts and Education, 17205 Mountain Road, Montpelier, VA 23192. A private graveside service will be held for the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Montpelier Center for Arts and Education, P.O. Box 82, Montpelier, VA 23192.
This obituary was originally published in the Herald Progress.