Catherine Myrine Jones

Catherine Myrine Jones, age 96, went to be with the Lord on December 19, 2025, surrounded by her loving family in her own home.

She was born November 12, 1929, in Oneonta, Alabama. Catherine grew up on a farm and after high school moved to Birmingham, where she met the love of her life, Clarence Earl Jones. They were married on February 2, 1950, and went on to raise five children together. In 1960 the family moved to Lakeland, Florida when Earl took a job in the phosphate industry. Catherine was a devoted wife and a loving mother. She was a member of Edgewood Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School and VBS for many years. She was a very talented painter, taking classes at Florida Southern and was an active member of the Lakeland Art Guild. Her award-winning work was often displayed in art shows around Lakeland and Polk County. She was a member of the National League of American Pen women, an organization that promotes women in arts.

There were always many cats to be found in Catherine’s home and lap as she was certainly a cat lady. She had a great appreciation for nature, wildlife, and beautiful scenery. A much-anticipated trip was the annual Fourth of July beach week on Anna Maria Island with all her family. She also enjoyed travels to the mountains and many of the national parks.

Catherine was known for her patience, kindness, generosity and her gratitude to others. She was full of love.

Catherine was preceded in death by her parents Walter Lee and Mary Jane Mullins, her husband of 58 years, Clarence Earl Jones, son Steven Earl Jones, sisters Nellie Moore, Pauline Nelson, Wilma Inez Stracener, brother Buddy Mullins, granddaughter Jennifer Vandiver, and son-in-law Terry Vandiver. She is survived by her four daughters: Judy Vandiver, Peggy Neslund (Scott), Tina Neal, Mary Lambert (Tim), grandchildren Jerry Vandiver (Dawn), April Mucci (Matt), Brian Neslund (Callie), Alex Shay (Maggie), and Kristina Pilla (Mike). She had eleven great grandchildren.

Catherine, also known as Nanny or Great-Nanny, was greatly loved and will be dearly missed.

A celebration of Catherine’s life will be held on Tuesday, December 23 in the chapel at First Presbyterian Church, 175 Lake Hollingsworth Rd. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am and the service at 11:00 am. A brief graveside service will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.