Lenita Sue McConnell Jones

Lenita Sue McConnell Jones

Nashville - Lenita Sue McConnell Jones, 75, of Nashville, TN passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, August 29, 2020. She left her earthly home to join her true love, best friend and husband of 52 years, Donald W. Jones, only eight months to the day after he went Home. Born on October 10, 1944 in Princeton, KY, she was the daughter of the late Howard McConnell and Lorine (Clift) McConnell.

Sue was a well-known and respected Nurse Practitioner in Nashville, TN and in her hometown of Princeton, KY for over 40 years. A graduate of Caldwell County High School, she held B.S.N. and M.S.N. degrees from Vanderbilt University. Sue held many leadership positions in the field of nursing including Director of Nursing at Caldwell County Hospital, as well as serving on the Kentucky Board of Nursing. She was one of the first 100 Nurse Practitioners in the United States and played a role in the development of the certification process for Nurse Practitioners. Sue served as a Professor of Nursing at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. She was also an active member of the Vanderbilt School of Nursing Alumnae Association. In 2008, Sue was named to the "VUSN 100 Years-100 Leaders," a list honoring Alumni and Faculty who have made a significant contribution to the nursing profession.

As well as being devoted to her medical career, Sue was honored to serve on the Board of Directors at the Farmers Bank and Trust of Princeton, KY, a position that she took over in 1989 after her father passed away. In 2017, Sue was elected Chair of the Board of Directors at the bank. After her two year tenure, Sue was named Chair Emeritus.

Sue loved music and was an accomplished flutist. She showed her devotion to her church, Immanuel Baptist, in Nashville, in many ways - one of which was being an active member of the strings group and the handbell choir. She and Don were members of Immanuel for 43 years. Over the years, Sue served as a Deacon, Chairperson of Deacons and on many other committees.

One of Sue's true callings and gifts was to minister to others. Not only did she touch the lives of her many friends and patients, she volunteered to visit the sick and infirmed at various hospitals around Nashville. She served as one of the original board members at Vine Street Christian Counseling Center. Sue was also active in the YWCA and Nashville Cable, a women's leadership organization for professional advancement. She volunteered with several not for profits including Luke 14:12 and Thistle Farms, and she was always available to others when needed. Sue certainly had a servant's heart.

Sue had a love for travel which she encouraged in her daughters by taking them on many adventures. She enjoyed visiting other countries as well as attending Women's NCAA Basketball Tournaments with her dear friends.

Sue is preceded in death by her brother, Robert Howard McConnell (Barbara) of Atlanta, GA, her great-nephew, Lee Tandy Rickman of High Point, NC, and her loving husband, Donald Wayne Jones of Nashville, TN. She is survived by her three daughters, Suzanne Jones Dillard of Nashville, TN; Jennifer Jones Bennett of Mill Valley, CA; and Donna Jones Greek (James) of Nashville, TN. She was blessed with seven grandchildren; Ashton Dillard, Addie Grace Dillard, William Bennett, Oliver Bennett, Henry Donald Bennett, Lofton Greek, and John Thomas Greek. Sue is also survived by her nieces, Patti McConnell Rickman (Tim), Jane McConnell Boyd (Gary), and her nephew, Robert Howard McConnell, Jr. (Maria). Sue had many cousins and was especially close to Donna Clift Shelley (Roger) of Kentfield, CA.

The family will receive visitors on Saturday, September 5, 2020 at the Bridge Building, 2 Victory Avenue in Nashville, from 4-6pm. (COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed - masks required). There will be a private memorial service on Sunday, September 6, 2020 at Immanuel Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Luke 14:12, Thistle Farms, or to the Jones-McConnell Math Award and Scholarship Fund at Farmers Bank and Trust of Princeton, KY.