Fannye Jones

Fannye Bernice Miles Jones was born October 27, 1918 in the small town of Moundville, AL. Her parents Walter and Mary Eva Miles left Alabama when she was five years old and settled in the mining town of Benham, KY. There she completed her formal education. She received her B.S. Degree Kentucky State College (University) in 1941 and her Master's Degree from Hampton Institute (University) in 1949. She did additional study at East Tennessee State University, Tusculum College and the University of Tennessee.
She and her late husband, Coach John J. Jones, and daughter Mary moved from Kentucky to Greeneville, Tennessee in the early 1950's Her 43 years teaching career included positions at the Benham Colored School in Benham, KY and George Clem School in Greeneville, TN both segregated schools. After integration, she was the only African American teacher assigned a position at the Greeneville Middle School. Her profession gave her the opportunity to impact the lives of many students who as adults kept in contact with her through phone calls, letters and cards. In Greeneville, TN Mrs. Jones was active in the community. She was well known by many students, parents, business and city officials. She was often featured in the town newspaper for her involvement in various community activities.
Mrs. Jones was a faithful member of Jones Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church. She served as Sunday School Teacher, member of the Deaconesses Board, Trustee Board, Missionary Society, and other ministry positions. After retirement from the Greeneville City Schools, she expanded her ministry of service through various volunteer roles. She regularly visited hospitals and nursing homes taking gift bags at Christmas. She cooked and carried meals to the sick and homebound. She worked in the voting polls until age 94. Mrs. Jones served as an Arthritic Water Aerobics Instructor for seniors at the Greeneville YMCA for 27 years. She was known for daily morning walks in the neighborhood which she continued to age 97. Her Hobbies included cooking, gardening, sewing, crafting, and fishing. Mrs. Jones received numerous awards and recognitions including, Retired Teacher Outstanding Service Award, Wayside Homemakers Club Women of the Year, Appalachian Girl Scout Council Award (Women who Make a Difference) and George Clem Multicultural Award. She also served on the Holston Methodist Home for Children Council, Walter State Community Minority Student Recruitment Committee, Retired Teacher Association, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, NAACP, and George Clem Multicultural Association. At her 95th birthday celebration, a scholarship was established in her name to be awarded each year to
two college bound African American students.
In 2013, at the age of 95 Mrs. Jones moved to Greensboro, NC to live with her daughter and son-in-law (Mary and Orlanda Carter) and united with Mount Zion Baptist Church. As long as health permitted; she attended weekly Bible Study, Sunday School, Sunday Service and Senior Adult Ministry Activities. Her 100 th birthday was celebrated in her beloved Greeneville, TN with 200 plus attending.
She has resided in Brookdale Lawndale Park Assisted Living since 2020. She continued to enjoy her daily Bible Study, reading, phone calls and walking around the facility and Sunday phone dial in to her Mt. Zion Sunday School class.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband. Her family was her pride and joy. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Mary Carter (Orlanda), grandson, Wynton Carter (Tracy), great grandson, Christian Carter Roswell, GA, Cousins Carleen Atkinson(Walter) Jacksonville, NC, Rev. Reginal Lee (Leticia) Florence, SC, adopted son Donald Hamilton Greeneville, TN, adopted daughter, Carolyn Smith Bush (Carroll) Potomac Falls, VA, and a host of many special friends.
Fannye Jones loved the Lord. Her long-life reflected God's favor. She expressed her faith through "Spreading Love and Acts of Kindness". Her "Deeds of Love" will be remembered. Rest well Mother Dear.
The family express their grateful appreciation to the Brookdale Lawndale Park Assisted Living staff for the love and care given to our loved one during her years there and to AuthoraCare who provided support in her final days.
The family will receive friends Friday September 26th from 5-7 pm at Jeffers Funeral Service Downtown. The funeral will be held Saturday September 27th, 2025 at 1 pm at Jones Memorial AME Zion Church. Interment will be on Monday, September 29,2025 at 2 pm in Andrew Johnson Cemetery.