Thirza Ava Jones

Thirza Ava Jones, age 88, of Knoxville, TN passed away peacefully on October 16th, 2025. Thirza was the youngest of two children born to William (Bill) and Elise Hallowell May 11, 1937. She is preceded in death by her loving husband Mark George Jones, who tragically passed away at the age of 44 in November of 1987, and her sister Dorothy M. Stewart who passed away last month at the age of 96. She is survived by her daughter Gretchen D. (Jones) Goodson, son-in-law Robert (Bob) N. Goodson, grandchildren Reese Kennedy (16) and Nolen Mark (12). She also was a sister-in-law to Ramon and Jeanne Sanna of Madison, WI as well as an aunt to Deborah Bargman, Jennifer Godfrey, and Andrew Sanna all of Boston, MA.
Thirza graduated from Bremerton High School in June of 1955, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from the University of Washington in 1959. Throughout her career, she taught 1st and 2nd grades in Seattle, WA as well as Frederick and Rockville, MD. She and Mark were married in June of 1969 in Burien, WA before moving to Gaithersburg, Maryland. That same year she was assigned to Carroll Manor School where she taught 1st grade, earning a salary of $9750!
In the early 80's, Thirza and Mark moved to Tennessee to be close to his parents, Mark and Nelle Jones. Thirza was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Ascension where she served on altar guild for many years, was a substitute teacher for Knox County Schools, enjoyed working in her yard, sewing, sports, spending time with family and friends, and being a "Mimi" to her grandchildren. She also worked at Stein Mart for many years, after retiring from education.
Later in life, Thirza lived at Park Place independent living where she made many friends and was caringly looked after. In May of 2021, Thirza was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare brain disease that affects walking, balance, eye movements and swallowing. She then moved to L&L Sweet Home Care where, for the remainder of her life, was given compassionate care by their loving staff. She was also well cared for by Smoky Mountain Home Health and Hospice during her final year.
She will be buried alongside Mark on 10/25/25 at Oak Ridge Memorial Park with a celebration of life event immediately following. In lieu of flowers, and in the spirit of Thirza's commitment to education, the family kindly asks for you to consider donating to CurePSP. Contributions can be mailed to 325 Hudson Street, FL 4, New York, NY 10013, or made online by visiting curepsp.org, marking tribute gift in Thirza's honor via the "donate" button. All contributions will directly support CurePSP's Student Fellowship Program, advancing research and education in the field.
"And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died." 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14