Josephine G. Jones

Virginia Beach -

Josephine Gaither "Jo" Jones, 84, died Tuesday, February 3, 2015. She was preceded in death by her parents, William Hayes Gaither, and Louise Huffines Gaither. Jo was born December 30, 1930, in Elizabeth City and grew up in Charlotte, NC. She was educated at St. Mary's College and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She was a member of the Valkyries, Chi Omega Sorority, and the Order of the Old Well. She lived most of her adult life on the quiet banks of the Indian River in Chesapeake, Virginia, where she raised her family surrounded by caring neighbors. Her home and her family were her focus. She was the proud author of Amanda's Tree, That Hardhead Cinnamon, and A Friend in the Kitchen. She spent her final years in the care of Westminster Canterbury in Virginia Beach.

She worshiped at Christ and St. Luke's Episcopal Church for over 50 years. Her life of love, forgiveness, generosity, perseverance, and thankfulness flowed from her faith in God. In every sphere of life, she made many friends, whom she cherished. She was a longtime member of the Happy Times Book Club and Lois Martin Strode's Serendipity Book Club in Norfolk. `

Surviving are her son, Robert W. Jones, Jr., and his wife, Kristin, of Virginia Beach, her daughter, Amanda Jones Chambers, and her husband, David, of Raleigh, and her grandchildren, Sarah, Robert and Gregory Jones, and David and Luke Chambers. She is also survived by her sister, Carolyn Gaither Weeks, of Rocky Mount, NC, and by her well-loved nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Sunday at 3:00 p.m. in Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Hertford, NC, led by The Very Reverend John Bonner and Pastor Stephen Weeks. On Wednesday, February 11th at 11:00 a.m., The Reverend Canon Win Lewis will lead a Celebration of Life Service in Christ and St. Luke's, at 560 W. Olney Road in Norfolk, VA 23507.

Miller & Van Essendelft, Funeral and Cremation Providers, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, NC, is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Memorial Fund of Christ and St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Norfolk.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.

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

Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Feb. 5, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Josephine Jones

Sponsored by the family.

18 Entries

March 23, 2015

Jo Jones was a wonderful person. She was the kindest women I have ever met. 20 years ago, while pregnant with my daughter, I was having a difficult time and was very sick with asthma. Jo touched my heart, when she cooked for me, offered child care for my five year old son, and gave me moral support..she was a lady from church, whom I hardly knew, yet she gave me more kindness than anyone. Jo, you were and are an angel!

Christine W. A.

Beth Paiste

February 10, 2015

People are like a sample box of chocolates. Some are hard to bite and rather "chewy", some are so soft that a bite can send the liquid center dripping down your chin, others are a bit nutty or airy, while others are overly sweet. Then you sample the perfect silky chocolate one that just melts in your mouth. You know the one I mean. The one that you continue to root for over and over again in the box. Well that piece of chocolate was our beloved Jo Jones! She brought a source of sweetness and comfort in every minute of her company!! She will be sorely missed.

Rhetta Wilson

February 9, 2015

Dear Amanda,
Your mother was a lovely person. I'm sorry I lost touch with her when we left Christ & St. Luke's a good while back.
I have fond memories of the year you and I taught Sunday School together.
Harold joins me in sending our deepest sympathies for your loss. I hope to see you at the service Wednesday.
Fondly,
Rhetta

Sharon Bachman

February 7, 2015

I just read the memories of the Pierce family and it was so well spoken. I didn't know her well. I only knew her briefly from the YMCA.
OH how I could listen to her talk all day. She just had that calming and easy manner of speech that made me so infatuated with her. How I wished I could have the ease and comforting way she spoke.
I NEVER forgot her. She left you with an endearing impression.
My condolences go out to her entire family
She will always be remembered, as my daughter has read the book about Cinnamon to her children.

Arlene Constant

February 7, 2015

Momma Jo was a sweet dear lady. I will never forget our conversations about our love for dogs and "That Hardheaded Cinnamon". She always had a kind word and a smile on her face. She has touched my heart forever. My deepest sympathy to Robert and Amanda and their families.

Betty Gaither-Halter

February 6, 2015

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you. ** I am a member of the John Gaither Society **

Pamela O'Brien

February 6, 2015

Mrs. Jones was, indeed, a lovely person. She would walk by our house sometimes with her standard poodle. It was always a treat to talk with her. Our condolences to Robert and family and Amanda and her family.

Susan Sepulveda

February 6, 2015

I am so sorry for your loss. Jo was such a friendly person who made you feel special each time you were with her. I cherish her cookbook and will be reminded of what a wonderful person she was every time I try one of her recipes.

Aunt Jo, with nephew, Leslie H. Pierce, Jr.

Leslie and Eileen Pierce, and children Les, Elizabeth, Rosalyn, and Stephen Pierce

February 5, 2015

Aunt Jo was a truly good woman, with an indomitable spirit, who lived life with gusto, trusted in God, loved wholeheartedly, and always looked for the good in people. She made everyone feel special. She was deeply genuine.

We will never forget her love of children, willingness to host and cook for family, including us with our four small children, her cookbook, and children's books, her amazing mint iced tea, her sharing only the good stories about people, always preferring to forget the not-quite-so-good, and her always having home baked goods to hand to us, her guests, as we would be leaving, "for the trip home". We will always remember her eternal love of her husband, Bobby.

We treasure the memory of the year she came to DC to attend a wedding. Les and I took Aunt Jo and her friend out to dinner, one night, and the two of them gloriously charmed the wait staff, the owner, and other diners, to the point that we knew everyone there, by the time we left, and everyone bade us farewell.

Going to dinner with Jo was taking "Dolly" of "Hello Dolly", or Auntie Mame out to dinner--everyone wanted to meet her, to know her, and join in her stories and laughter, and her natural warmth. With Aunt Jo, however, all of that was true, and real.

Aunt Jo was the “real deal”, a deeply brilliant woman, wonderful wife, grandmother, amazing mother, aunt, sister, friend, who concealed her intellect, at times, behind her preferred description as a religious woman, with a quiet nature, and –she would deny, but was 100% true—her innate charm. She had no need to impress others. She knew who she was, always.

Aunt Jo needed no accolades, because her life was a lesson to all: study, work, achieve, be humble, try hard, or harder, help others, do not brag or complain, treat all with respect, look for the very best in others, never give up, be your best self, and always look forward. And always, always, love children, as the next generation. No one loved her children more than Jo. They held, and will hold her heart, for eternity.

Girl Time!

Beth Paiste

February 5, 2015

My first memory of Jo Jones was in her kitchen. I was visiting Amanda and Momma Jo (as I affectionately came to nickname her) was stirring a pot of stew. She insisted that whatever dinner I had already eaten was not enough and with a twinkle in her eye and a bowl in her hand, I found myself surrounded in the mist of comfort and love. Momma Jo embraced all sorts of strays, including me, and made you feel like you were the most important person in the world! Her sense of humor always made me laugh (sometimes because I had no idea what she was actually laughing at but her enjoyment of it was simply contagious)! I will always treasure our times in Tahiti (as I called her home by the water), her quick wit, sound advice, unwavering Faith and most of all, her sweet and giving spirit. And yes...that wonderful laugh!!!! She will be deeply missed.

Austin Owen

February 5, 2015

Jo Jones was my God Mother, and she was the sweetest, best God Mother a person could have. She remembered my Birthday well into my forties. Always had kind and uplifting words to say. Heaven has received a very bright Angel.

Jay & Pat Whitehead

February 5, 2015

We are sadden by the passing of Jo. She was a beautiful Lady inside and out. Best regards to Robert and Kristin Jones

Keith Hawkins

February 5, 2015

Sorry to hear about the passing of Mrs. Jones. I spent many hours chit chatting with her when I was employed at Westminster Canterbury. What a dear person she was to me. I will always remember her.

Jeffery Barbour

February 5, 2015

Jo was such a delightful lady and author. Years ago, I invited Jo to visit my kindergarten class in Suffolk. The children were so excited to meet an author and listen to her read to them from her own books. She will be missed. Her legacy and books will be remembered forever. My thoughts and sympathy go out to your family during a sad time.

February 5, 2015

Jo was an amazing Woman. I was lucky to have met her and hear her stories. I still have the signed copy of Amanda's Tree. Jones Family, I am so sorry for your loss and am sending prayers for you all.
Jan Loper-Robold

Donna

February 5, 2015

Dear Jo was a friend to ALL. We loved her and will miss her beautiful smile and kindness. May God bless her family with His love. Donna & Bob Ballard

February 5, 2015

Josephine was such a wonderful, caring and sweet lady. I remember her thoughtfulness when my grandson, Gage, was in CHKD with leukemia. I told her how I loved to read to him and a few days later, I received a box of beautiful books. Her kindness was so genuine and will be remembered always. My deepest sympathy to her family, she will be truly missed.

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