Fern B. Jones

May 9, 1957 - May 17, 2017

New York, NY

Fern Bernadette Jones, 60, of New York, NY and North Carolina passed away Wednesday, May 17th after a fatal truck accident. She was born in Nova Scotia, Canada on May 9, 1957 to Dr. Frissell W. Jones and Pauline G. Jones. Fern graduated from the Andover Phillips Academy in Andover, MA and went on to receive a BA in English from Yale University and a MS in Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

In the 1980s, Fern trained on Wall Street working as a proprietary trader, risk manager and securities analyst. Most recently, she was privately advising investors to look at responsible, sustainable approaches to the environment, society, and government. Always a fierce advocate for inclusivity, Fern used her talents in finance to serve as a fiduciary for the elderly and individuals with special needs.

Fern was a forthright, passionate leader who enjoyed a strong cup of herbal tea and even stronger, spirited debate. She was witty, firm in her convictions, humble about her accomplishments, and had a fervent intellectual curiosity that stunned even her closest friends and family members. Fern cherished her time with loved ones, and was an exceptional friend, aunt, sister, and daughter who will be incredibly missed.

Fern is predeceased by her father, Dr. Frissell W. Jones. She is survived by her mother, Pauline Jones and her six brothers and sisters: Wagner Jones, Pamela Banks, Abraham Jones, Josiah Jones, Ruth Jones, and Peter Jones. She is also survived by her nephews, Marcus and Darrin Banks and her nieces, Carly and Elisabeth Jones.

Her lively spirit, determined grit, and generous heart will be celebrated at 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 27 at the First Baptist Church of Hockley in Shacklefords, VA. A memorial service (to be announced) will follow in New York City. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to the UNC TEACCH Autism Program.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News and Observer on May 24, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Fern Jones

Sponsored by J.K. Redmond Funeral Home.

17 Entries

Anita Jones

October 29, 2019

Dearest Fern,
You were the kind of person who doesn't exist much anymore: private, with the twinkle of equal parts genius and mirth always in eyes. So kind, so smart, so present. You and I were friends at Andover, two girls of color growing up as sisters, interested in exploring so many of the same forests of the mind. Too many wonderful memories to mention. One that makes me laugh still is the two if us sneaking away midcourse during the obligatory cross country runs. We would rift toward the back of the pack, then make a beeline out of there. Years later, you were one of my two bridesmaids. Then later and always, we shared our struggles, you against your landlord, me against suburbia. Remember how you delivered food with Maria to AIDs patients? I love you Fern. I love your perfect diction, I love how your selection of furniture was constrained by what could squeeze in between the stacks of your books. I love how we just picked up where we left off whenever we saw each other, despite the gap of years. Today, I am in France, my home for years now, crying, knowing that this time the gap was too long and I will never again have a cup of tea with my sister Fern. Irreplaceable Fern.
Anita Jones

Charu Narang

September 8, 2018

Dearest Fern:
I learned of your passing just recently and my heart broke. You and I spoke a month before I moved to Jamaica- we had so many plans...I was caught up in getting Burns adjusted and I just thought I could call when I was done as I had done many times before- after all- we are still young- and when I did I learned you had left . You are missed, my friend. More than words can express. My condolences to your family. I upload this picture because one of the last times you and I spoke, you said thanks for your advice, I want to pay you and I said Burns likes hulk buster ❤❤❤

Jack McKay

July 1, 2018

I just found out about Fern's death. She was such a kind, compassionate and wise person. I spent a great deal of time with her in the '90's and she was a very important person in my life. She helped me through some very challenging times, including my father's illness and death. In many ways she was like an anchor to me especially during my late 20s and early 30s. I feel I'm much the better person for having known and spent time with Fern. I learned so much from her. We also shared many joys as well. Though the past few decades we've been out of contact, I remember her often and had been looking forward to re-developing our friendship. My condolences to all of Fern's family.

Franklin Neubauer

June 12, 2018

I was sad to learn of Fern's death. She was very considerate of others, had a sharp mind, and showed great persistence. It was always a pleasure to meet or talk with her.

Kathy Cahill

October 17, 2017

I knew Fern when she a graduate student at MIT. She was tenacious, determined, lively and intelligent. My thoughts are with her family and friends. May she rest in peace.

Scott Carotenuto

August 28, 2017

Fern,

I am saddened by the news of your passing. I enjoyed our conversations and meetings very much, however far and few between they may have been...they always felt as though no time had passed at all...almost as if we had just talked the day before.

You and your family are in my prayers.

Scott

Paul D

July 13, 2017

Fern was a lovely person. I am sorry to hear of her passing.

Fern Bernadette Jones on June 25, 1988; Christ Church, Hamilton, MA <br />Wedding of Kimberley Patton and Bruce Beck

Kimberley Patton

June 11, 2017

Dearest Fern,

Though you are gone from this earth, I feel as though I can only speak to you, not about you. You were one of my oldest friends; we have known one another since good old Abbot days. We survived the insanity of the merger with Andover. We were friends throughout different colleges and different career paths; and when I finally married, you were one of my four bridesmaids. I will always remember your radiance, your brilliance, your sharp wit, your wonderful sense of humor, and your passionate outrage at the injustices of the world, as well as your attempts to right them where you could. We spent our fortieth PA reunion two years ago with my daughter Christina in tow, attending the Abbot Tea and laughing our heads off. We found that tree by Sherman House where we had been photographed at age 14 many years ago and took another photo, remembering those days of confusion and hope. My heart is broken that you are gone, and I cannot imagine what your poor family is going through ... but I know your enduring faith in God has found fulfillment, as you are home safe with Him at last. May all your struggles be over, and may you be at peace. You were a warrior and an angel. Please send us a sign now and then that you are keeping vigil with those of us who are left behind, who miss you so much. Please watch over us and wait for us. We love you, Fern, and we always will.

Viki Bok

June 9, 2017

I am deeply saddened to hear this news. Fern and I were classmates at Yale, and had kept up over the years, sharing interests in social justice, religion, community development, and how to lead an ethical life. Her unique, fighting spirit will be missed.

Rob Shumaker

June 5, 2017

Fern was a business colleague and friend of mine. I will miss the dialogue on investment topics (and pretty much everything else) that often went on for hours. Importantly, I learned from Fern the meaning of fortitude -- a trait she was well-gifted with. My deepest condolences to the family.
Godspeed Jones.

Quincy Long

May 31, 2017

While I didn't know Fern well, I knew her to be quiet, kind and thoughtful, and I'll miss her presence.

Meredith Tilp

May 29, 2017

Our beloved Fern, world traveler, wit and wisdom sans-pareil, we are so sad without her. But strong in knowing how she enriched our lives. Big hug to her family.

May 27, 2017

To the Jones Family; Jesus promised in the book of Matthew Chapter 5:4 - "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." Mrs. Jones & Family God will comfort you. On behalf of Cherry Brook United Baptist Church,Nova Scotia we extend our deepest sympathies.We will continue to Pray that God will strengthen your Family during this difficult time.
Rev. Wayne & Donalda Desmond.

Nancy Tanguay FNP

May 26, 2017

To the Jones Family

I was so saddened to hear of this loss
Even though it has been many years I remember her and your family with great fondness
Love and prayers to all of you

Kathy Dempsey

May 25, 2017

To the Jones Family: You have my deepest sympathies. I am so sorry for your loss.

Joshua Humphreys

May 25, 2017

Fern's colleagues at Croatan Institute send our deepest condolences to her mother, Pauline, her brothers and sisters, and her nieces and nephews. We share in this tragic moment of grief for our very dear, departed colleague. She was a self-less collaborator who left an immediate imprint on everyone who met her, touching the lives of so many in her work. We look forward to memorializing her important legacy with the Jones family.

Curtis Krietzberg

May 24, 2017

We are so shocked and saddened by news of Fern's passing. To her dear family, we offer our deepest condolences.

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