Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Jill Jones Obituary
Jill Anne Jones, 41, of Lynchburg, went home to be with her Lord, along with her son, Nicholas "Niko" Jones, on Sunday, Aug. 8, 2010, from injuries received in an automobile accident.
Born in Calumet Park, Ill., on Aug. 19, 1968, she was a daughter of Sandra Neilson Mark, of New Lenox, Ill., and the late Louis Frank Mark.
Jill stated on her University website, she had three passions: 1) God, 2) her family and 3) education. She was an associate professor in the School of Education at Liberty University. She earned her bachelor's degree at Judson College in Elgin, Ill., her master's degree at Lewis University in Romeoville, Ill., and in 2002 she earned an Educational Doctorate from Northern Illinois University. She spent her entire professional career as an educator and was a board certified teacher. She taught students ranging from elementary school early on in her career to graduate level courses at Liberty University. She was a member of Thomas Road Baptist Church.
In addition to her father, one sister, Kathy Mark, preceded her in death.
She is survived by husband, Ray Jones, and her son, Raymond Jones, both of Lynchburg; three sisters, Louanne Giorgio and her husband, Anthony, of Plainfield, Ill., Carrie Mark, of New Lenox, Ill., and Rebecca Mark, of Texas; and her father and mother-in-law, Ray and Shirley Jones, of Arcola, Ill. She is also survived by many loving family members and dear friends.
Funeral services will be conducted at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12, 2010, at Thomas Road Baptist Church, with Pastor Jonathan Falwell officiating. The family will receive friends following the service until 9 p.m.
The family requests memorial contributions be made in Jill's honor to Liberty University, Dr. Jill Jones Memorial Fund, Student Business Office, 1971 University Blvd., Lynchburg, VA 24502.
To send condolences online, please visit whittentimberlake.com. Whitten Funeral Home and Cremation service, Timberlake Chapel, is serving the Jones family.
Memories and Condolences
for Jill Jones
Christopher James Dorais
July 13, 2018
Dr. Jones was my absolute favorite professor at LU. I had her for several classes and admired her passion for Jesus Christ, her passion for teaching, and her love for her students. I still grieve her loss. I pray that when it is my time to cross on over, the Lord will allow me to spend a great deal of time in eternity with Jill. She truly was one in a million. God bless you my sister.
~Dr. Christopher J. Dorais
Cynthia Schaub
August 25, 2010
Dear Jones family:
The world has truly lost a saint in your Jill! She gave me the most precious thing we can give in life--her time. As a new doctoral student, Dr. Jones agreed to sit with me and allow me to interview her for a paper I had to write. She did not even know me--only that I was a fellow educator coming up through a path she knew only too well. She gave me her time when her schedule was chock full of basketball games, mother duties, professor duties, and all of her spiritual gifts. She was a selfless woman who lived to serve others. There is a special place for Jill and Nikki and their memories are now your treasures. When you feel sorrow, know that they are doing the Lord's work from above and they have left a huge mark on this world through the spirit of selflessness. It's a lesson I will take from Jill as I move forward. When someone with such a wonderful soul passes, it hurts so much, but I celebrate her life and will pray for your family's healing. God Bless.
The Auth's
August 17, 2010
To Ray & Ray Jr.... My heart aches for you both, our prayers are with you both. KNow that Jill & Niko rest in a better place, dwelling in the house of our lord forever and they will always be in our thought, prayers & hearts.
The Finneys
August 17, 2010
She is home with Lord with Nicholas and the rest of the family. Our deepest sympathy to the family and prayers.
Nancy (George) Goveia
August 16, 2010
To the Jones', you have never met me, but I you to know that Jill was one the most influencial women in my life at an early age. She is in part the reason that I am the woman I am today. Many Friday evenings shared at the Christian Youth Center and days at Camp Timberlee. May Jill and Nico rest in peace and in the loving embrace of our Lord. I pray for you and your family and friends and everyone impacted by this tragedy.
Kathy Shanahan Baltz
August 16, 2010
Jill was one of my very best friends in Junior high and High school.The night I heard the news,I slept hoping for a dream with my old friend in it but of course you can't pick the movie at the free theatre. So many, many memories during a most discovering time in our young lives have flooded my mind. It's our human nature to try to make sense of things that couldn't possibly.May we all take comfort in our friends, family and our spirituality.
Bethany Davis
August 16, 2010
Dr. Jones was such an amazing professor, but an even more incredible spiritual leader. I was blessed to have her last semester. She could brighten your day instantly with her smile and demeanor. My heart is broken at the thought of losing her, but my heart rejoices at the thought of her with the Savior she adored! She will truly be missed!
David Barber
August 15, 2010
I was totally blown out of the water to learn of Dr. Jones' death. There are no words to express my condolences properly. I know from the things she shared in class that family was so important to her. She spoke so fondly of her men. As a professor and the chair of my dissertation committee, Dr. Jones was an inspiration, a motivator, an encourager, and so much more. I cannot begin to imagine the loss you are experiencing right now. Know that I and many in my church and school are praying for you as you face the days ahead. I know God has a plan and that it is perfect. I know His grace is sufficient. But...knowing these things academically and knowing them in your heart are two separate things. I pray that you will truly experience God's peace and comfort. I know you have many good memories...hold on to them. david
August 15, 2010
Jill, You were such a good friend in highschool. I will miss you. Kim Brown Fincher (Holland, MI)
Laura Terrill
August 15, 2010
I'm sorry to hear about Dr. Jone's and her son's sudden passing!I'm so blessed to have had Dr. Jones as my professor during the Fall 2009 semester! She was a kind and special woman! I could tell how much she loved God, her family, her profession, and us,as her students! I will keep your family in my prayers!
Deborah Miller
August 14, 2010
My name is Elder Deborah a newly undergraduate student..My prayers go out to your family..Remember God called His favorite pearls...
David Stanton
August 14, 2010
Dr. Jones had that amazing ability to directly link her faith, and the faith of her students, to the classroom. My sincere condolences to her family and friends. Liberty has lost a great teacher, the world has lost a champion for Christ, but this daughter of Jesus is now at home with her Savior.
Leigh Ann Putman
August 13, 2010
As I sat in my last class at Liberty, I was literally saying a prayer that God would help me find the right dissertation committee chair when Dr. Jones walked into the room. Something about her just glowed from the inside out, and my immediate thought was, "Wow, God...you're fast!" When she agreed to be my chair some months later, it was one of the happiest times I have experienced throughout my program because I KNEW that everything would be ok. The only thing that outweighed her toughness and high expectations was the amount of LOVE that she gave to me. When I would email her with an exciting development, she always said, "Go, girl, go!" Her encouragement has carried me thus far, and I will work as hard as I can to make her proud. I am so very thankful to have been touched by her love. I will never forget the look on her face when she'd talk about her husband and her boys. It was pure love and joy. I pray that God will comfort you and heal you in a way that only He can.
August 13, 2010
I am sadden to hear of Jills passing, I remember her from the Chiristian Youth Center and her smile could light up the room. May the memories you hold dear to you bring you comfort.
Jennifer Adams
August 13, 2010
I am a graduate student of Liberty, it is truly sad to read about the 'home-going' of Dr. Jones and her beloved son...words cannot express such loss! I am deeply touched by Dr. Jones' short life. I am blessed by her advice on her blog and will cherish it forever--"Greet each day by sliding out of bed and hitting your knees..." Thank you Dr. Jones for your ministry, may our Lord comfort your dear husband and son at such a time as this. May your family and friends feel God's divine presence and love.
Gail Bones
August 12, 2010
She was an important person in my life because of the influence she had on me as a scholar, a teacher, and a Christian woman. I will never forget her and hope that my life can look a little more like hers as a result of seeing her example.
Mollie McGeehon
August 12, 2010
Dr. Jill was a giver of her gifts to uplift each student she encountered. I was lucky enough to have Dr. Jill Jones as a professor in a cohort in Martin County FL several years ago that was life changing. She stayed in touch and continued to inspire from afar....and she will never stop inspiring me to be the very best I can be and to honor all that is great in others....God Bless you Dr. Jones and your son in heaven. Wishing her husband and son peace. Mollie McGeehon
Molly Teitelbaum
August 12, 2010
She was one of my favorite teachers ever. Even though she was my 1st grade teacher, she was still one of the best teacher ever! She will be missed forever.
Reading Cohort 2006-7
August 12, 2010
Dr. Jill was the advisor to our Martin Country Reading Cohort in 2006-7. SHe was a master teacher who would accept nothing but your best. She made all of us look within ourselves to be the best we could be at everything. She was gifted, funny, and a true Christian... I will always remember her with love. Heaven has now accquired two more angels. Yes, Dr. Jill, you made a difference to many... thank you.
Deborah R. Banks, Indiantown, FL
Brenda (Pistilli) Painter
August 12, 2010
Our sincerest sympathy to you and your family. May God's peace be with you and comfort you in the coming days.
Gini Viskocil
August 12, 2010
Ray,
I was deeply saddened to read of the loss of Jill and Nikko. I remember her fondly from her years of teaching at District 92 in Lockport. My sympathy to you and your family and may you feel God's comfort and love surround you and give you peace.
August 12, 2010
Ray, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I didn't have the opportunity to know Jill or Nicholas, but some of my employees knew both of them and had nothing but wonderful things to say about them.
I've lost a wife and a sister, so I know how devastating this can be. I just hope your faith in God and your family and friends can ease your burden.
Sincerely,
Wayne DeWitt
Joshua Murawski
August 12, 2010
To the Jones Family: I am so very sorry for the loss of Mrs. Jill Jones and Nicholas. Mrs. Jones was my fifth grade teacher at Ludwig Jr High in Lockport, Il. She was the best teacher I ever had, and the only teacher who I felt cared about my well being. I will keep the Jones family in my thoughts and prayers.
Larry & Heidi Parker
August 12, 2010
May in time you be able to give the gift of forgiveness .
But for now you must mourn grieve over your tragedy loss and may the Lord become your comforter .
PRAYING 4 U
Suzanne Smith
August 11, 2010
Dr. Jones' Godly example will live on in the many lives she touched. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this most difficult time.
Glenda Hyer
August 11, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss and I am praying for you. Dr.Jones was the most wonderful teacher, friend and mentor. Her love for the Lord and passion for serving Him was contagious. I will miss her.
Nancy DeJarnette
August 11, 2010
Jill was one of the best in the field of education and she will be dearly missed! She was a mentor to me and I have learned a lot from her godly example. May the Lord comfort you during this difficult time of loss. God bless, Dr. Nancy K. DeJarnette
Dr. Jeanette Hedrick
August 11, 2010
I send my sincerest condolences to the family of Dr. Jones and her son. Although I only knew her as a Dissertation Committee member with her as chair, I learned immediately to respect her Christian example in word and deed. Heaven is sweeter with her. May God be with you.
Viola Jett
August 11, 2010
"my thoughts and prayers are with you"
August 11, 2010
We have several students from our school that attend LU!
We are praying for you all at this time. Tomorrow we will especially remember you as your celebrate Jill and Niko meeting Jesus for the first time!
Wow---what a thought!
We love and remember you carpooling with Jeff for years to RBA!
Jeff and Stephanie Fuchs (Garland, Texas formerly Joliet, IL)
Diane Hester
August 11, 2010
I met Jill when she lead a Women's Conference at my church, Holly Creek Baptist, in Chatsworth, Georgia last November. She made such an impression on me with her genuine love of God and her family. Often I have remembered things she taught us at the conference and I've shared those things with friends who weren't able to attend. I was so happy for her when I learned of the publication of her devotional for women.
Jill touched my life and I want the "Rays" in her life to know. I was her prayer partner during the conference. Her prayer request was for her sons to be grounded in their faith and for her to have wisdom in raising them. She also wanted her birth family members to all come to faith in Jesus. Lastly, she wanted to know her Heavenly Father in an even more personal way. In her testimony before all the women at the conference, she talked about her husband in a very affectionate way. It was so obvious that she loved her family deeply.
I am so saddened at this tragic accident. I will remember you folks in my prayers and I pray for Jesus to wrap his loving arms around you.
David & Donna Staton and The English Contruction C'ville Site Crew
August 11, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this most difficult time. May God's love embrace you and hold you close. Our deepest sympathy
August 11, 2010
Ray & Ray Jr. our hearts go out to you both. I know its been a long time since we have seen you, but we have great memories when you lived in Florida and came to our home when Sean & Shanell were here. I know Jill & Nico are in God's care. We will always remember the your visits. Peter Kehoe & Joan Hatton
Savannah Wood
August 11, 2010
I am so sorry for the pain you are feeling. God bless you with love. You will once go threw the gates of the lord and reunite with your family. I love you all.
Love,
Jordan`s Family
p.s. Savannah wrote this :)
Nancy Gerace
August 11, 2010
Dear Ray and Raymond,
My heart is grieving with you on the loss of your beautiful, vibrant Jill and precious Niko. So many of the testimonies Jill has shared with me have been a comfort in these last few days. I spoke to her recently, and she sounded so joyous...she has blessed so many, and now shares God's kingdom. Love to both of you...
Skip Huffman
August 11, 2010
Ray, I'm so sorry for your loss. Know that someday you and Jill will be together again. Stay strong for Raymond.
He needs you now more than you will ever know.
Deborah Marshall
August 11, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Jones Family. Ray Jr. keep your head up and know that she is in God's care. May God continue to comfort you, your dad, and family during your time of bereavement.
Your LCA Family loves you!!
Love,
Deborah Marshall, Rennel Marshall, and Tony Gaines
Avis Ledee
August 11, 2010
The pain Dr. Jones' students feel is nothing compared to what her "Rays of Sunshine" are dealing with. Many are still numb and cannot believe she is gone. We will always remember her and know you will keep her in your hearts daily. Please be comforted, for you have the hope that you will see your wife and mom again... She would want you to be comforted and we pray the Holy Spirit will comfort you through this. Our prayers and thoughts are with you...
Nichols Family
August 11, 2010
Our prayers and hearts go out to your family in this time of sorrow.
DARLENE GARDNER
August 11, 2010
MY DEEPEST PRAYERS ARE WITH THE JONES FAMILY.. IT IS SUCH A SADDNESS TO LOSE SUCH FINE PEOPLE AND SO YOUNG IN LIFE. MAY GOD HELP YOU FIND PEACE AND STRENGTH IN THIS DIFFICULT TIME..
Tammi (Mills) Wagner
August 11, 2010
Jones family, we are so sorry for your loss. We are praying for comfort, peace and strength for you in these days. Love to all of you.
Carol Mowen
August 11, 2010
It was my honor and pleasure to serve with Jill on a dissertation committee. Her Christian Worldview was a blessing to everyone. My prayers are with her family at this difficult time.
August 11, 2010
Thoughts and prayers are with you in this tragic and sudden loss.
May God pour out His grace and comfort to you at this time and always.
With a heavy heart~ The Marica Family
August 11, 2010
My prayers and thoughts are with your family in this time of great loss. "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
Traci Moore- Liberty Student
Teri VanHorn
August 11, 2010
It is hard to come up with the words to express the since of loss I feel. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lorene Hutchinson
August 11, 2010
Dr Jones was one of my professors last month in my last class of my doctoral studies. The encouragement she gave to persevere was very motivating. I am going to finish this degree in her honor. Her love for the Lord and for her boys was so evident as she spoke of them with such passion and concern that only a dedicated and determined mother and wife could have. Such a beautiful person. I expect her to be at my defense and I expect her to have tough questions for me - so those of you that have been shaped by Dr Jones - get to it. Be ready to grill me!
Ali French
August 11, 2010
My thoughts and prayers to the family. Jill was an amazing person and her legacy will continue not only in those she taught, but in those of us her wisdom and gentle push influenced us to acknowledge our God given gifts and not waste them. Her faith in our Lord was inspirational and contagious. I was blessed to share a classroom with her back in Plainfield, IL. I will treasure the personal lessons she taught just by being herself.
Kacey Cullen
August 11, 2010
Jilly Bean and Niko, neither of you will ever be forgotten. Our lives are greater because of you. May you both rest in peace.
Kimberly Worley
August 11, 2010
I know Dr. Jones' testimony and influence will continue to work for the glory of God. I feel so blessed to have known her.
Kimberly Worley
August 11, 2010
"While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18 I know Dr. Jones' testimony and influence will continue to work for the glory of God. I feel blessed to have known her and have her as my dissertation chair.
August 11, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Mark and Jones families. Jill was a good little girl that became a strong woman. May God Bless you during this difficult time. Cullen family
Monika Donnelly
August 11, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss. Pray that God is close to your family at this extremely difficult time.
Bill & Kathy Ryan
August 11, 2010
Dear Ray and Raymond, we grieve for you but pray that God will send peace and comfort that passes all understanding. We also pray that He will send many to lavish love on you. Please know that Jill and Niko have touched many lives and will continue to do so. Love, Bill & Kathy Ryan
Scott and Kristy Carlson
August 11, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families and friends that are hurting. Our heart is hurting with you. We are praying for strength for you in the months to come.
August 11, 2010
May God comfort and guide you throughout this tradegy. Faith will comfort this tremendous loss.
Phyllis Kennedy
August 11, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.We have never met, but my husband and i happened upon the accident within moments after it happened and i said a silent prayer for those involved. August 4th marked the second anniversary since losing our oldest son and we know all to well the feeling of shock and disbelief! May God give you the strength and comfort you need now. Please know that many people, family, friends and even those you do not know, have you in their thoughts and prayers.
August 10, 2010
All of the Downen family is lifting you up in prayers every day many times a day! Jill and Nico will never be forgotten in Joliet ! What a wonderful family you are a part of! Wayne and Evalyn Downen, Joliet, IL
Joan Bohrer
August 10, 2010
My family and I send our prayers. My God guide you during this difficult time.
Denise Anderson
August 10, 2010
I knew Jill back in high school @ the Christian Youth Center as a young Christian. As I recently reconnected with her on Facebook, I was excited to see what a wonderful servant of God she had become. As I reflect on that, I am also deeply saddened to think of the loss that many are suffering because of her going to be with the Lord. You have never met me, but please know that you are in my prayers. I am thankful to have known her and I know I will see her again in heaven.
Robin Wilson
August 10, 2010
I developed a wonderful friendship with Jill while I was an Ed.D student at Liberty. She pushed me to be more than I ever could be by myself. She truly was God's servant here on earth. We giggled together and prayed together; what more wonderful relationship could you ask for in a teacher/mentor? Thanks, Jill for some of the most important memories and experiences of my life.
Sheila McKeehan
August 10, 2010
Dr. Jones was an amazing woman. I met her last summer in my one and only intensive class with her. She made me uncomfortable...she stretched me...she loved and prayed for me. Although I wasn't the most comfortable at the beginning of the week, by the end, I truly understood the meaning of FAITH and appreciated all of her efforts on my behalf. She helped me move from My Zone to the GOD ZONE and what a glorious change in my life it has been. I mourn for our loss of this wonderful individual and I cannot imagine the pain Ray and Ray are experiencing, but I have no doubt this wonderful lady is basking in the glory of our Father and, because of her, many of us will have that priveledge as well. Thank you for sharing her with us.
Kemmie Dize
August 10, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends.
August 10, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of such sorrow. Our hearts go out to you now and in the days ahead. May your memories bring you peace. Brad, Michelle(Rottau) & Nathan Wimer
Rhyan Wong
August 10, 2010
I remember having her as a teacher. The first day of school, I had a project due by the next class, along with a million other things that she indicated in class.
I remember her as a strict teacher, but in the end it was all worth it. I learned so many little tibits on teaching, and will remember her for a long time.
Isa Isaacs
August 10, 2010
Jacob and I are stunned and saddened by your loss. We will always remember them with a smile. "as long as we live, they too shall live,for they are now a part of us...As we remember them".
August 10, 2010
Our hearts are truly grieving for your great loss.So many are uplifting you in prayer. May you feel God's love and comfort carrying you at this time. John and Sue (Staska) Mayer and family (Plainfield, IL)
Mark & Kim (Novak) Bishop
August 10, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you feel the loving arms of Christ surround you!
August 10, 2010
God bless you during this time. We are Praying. the Pless family, TRBC
Aaron and Eileen Kozlowski
August 9, 2010
Aaron and I are so very sorry for your loss. Jill and Niko were wonderful people and glad we were able to get to know them while you lived in Minooka. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Showing 1 - 71 of 71 results
Make a Donation
in Jill Jones's name
Memorial Events
for Jill Jones
How to support Jill's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Jill Jones's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
