Mary Ethel Jones

Mary Jones, 81, of Goodlettsville, TN departed this life to meet her Savior on June 10, 2025 after an extended illness. Mary Ethel Latham, as she was named at birth, was born in Columbus, Georgia on December 14, 1943, the daughter of Rev. Wilbur Eudon “W. E.” Latham and Mary Frances (Ware) Latham. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Betty Eudonice (Latham) Rogers (Roy).

A Celebration of Mary’s life will be held Saturday, June 14, 2025, 12:00 Noon at Sumner Funeral & Cremation Lakeside, 104 Sanders Ferry Rd, Hendersonville, TN 37075, with Rev. John Gardner officiating. Entombment will follow the service at 2:30 PM, Hendersonville Memory Gardens, 353 E. Main St, Hendersonville, TN 37075. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday.

She is survived by her husband of 37 years, Rev. Max Jones; aunt, Tillie (Ware) Dell; children, Joy Renee Hodges (Bob), Max Ray Jones, Jr., Phillip Byron Jones (Tammy); nieces, Denise Mitchell (Tom), Nanette Foster (Art), Monica Daye (Jason); grandchildren, Josh Hodges, Jeremy Hodges, Harrison Jones, Hannah Giarraputo (Cam), Samuel Jones (Jenna); great grandchildren, Conner Hodges, Finn Hodges, Piper Hodges, Parker Hodges, Josiah Jones, Stephen Jones.

Mary was blessed with great talent. She had a beautiful alto voice and could play the piano like no other. She faithfully used her talents at a very young age singing and playing in the churches her father pastored. Upon graduation, she sang and played with several quartets, trios and duets in the 60’s and 70’s at revivals, churches, and District Assemblies all over the country. She even recorded several albums, cassettes, and 8 track tapes. When she met Max in 1985, they married in August and became a super team for the Lord’s work as they pastored multiple churches, including in Alaska and Canada. When Mary was 49 years old, she went back to school and acquired her certification as an RN and proceeded to work at area hospitals. Mary never met a stranger and she loved everyone! Even in their senior years, after retirement, they continued to touch lives. They ministered to others in their local church, GoodNaz, where they served as faithful members through their prayers and words of encouragement! Surely, Mary heard the words of her Savior, “Well done good and faithful servant! Enter into the joy of your Lord!”