Audrey Jones

1943 - 2021

Jones, Audrey, - 78, of Monmouth Junction, NJ an accomplished musician and longtime elementary school music teacher who grew up in Pleasantville, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Aug. 20, 2021. The third oldest of eight children, Audrey was born in Atlantic City on July 3, 1943 to the late Thomas F. and Lillian M. Jones. It was not long before the family relocated to Pleasantville, where Audrey attended the city's public schools. She took private piano lessons from the late Louise Scott and Ms. Faber, both of Pleasantville, quickly becoming proficient in musical styles ranging from classical to gospel. Upon graduating from Pleasantville High School in 1961, she entered Glassboro State College (now Rowan University), majoring in music. Her skill level and repertoire of songs grew rapidly and Audrey was a featured pianist in many concerts, including one she gave in the U.S. Virgin Islands after winning a regional contest. She began her teaching career at Chelsea Junior High School in Atlantic City after graduating from Glassboro with a bachelor's degree in music. Eventually, she relocated to North Jersey, joining the North Brunswick School District as an elementary music teacher. Audrey derived great joy and satisfaction from her profession. Over her 40-year plus career, it was not unusual for her to end up teaching three generations from the same family. When "Ms. Jones" finally retired on Sept. 1, 2014, the North Brunswick Board of Education accepted her letter of retirement "with regret." While she taught music, Audrey for many years was simultaneously serving as a musician and choir director for several church congregations in New Jersey cities including Plainfield and Scotch Plains. Audrey also loved to travel and her summer breaks customarily included a cruise. One of her most memorable trips was a cruise she took with her mother and sister, Mercedes, to Mexico, Jamaica and the Bahamas. Audrey was blessed with a beautiful Soprano singing voice and a bubbly personality. She was never one to shy away from sharing her opinion and displayed a good sense of humor that she took pleasure in showcasing at the Jones family gatherings. Even as her health declined, Audrey's faith in God never wavered. She always had a hymn or another spiritual song to share with family members during phone calls or visits. And her music still brought joy to others, including at the Assisted Living facility where she last resided. Left to cherish her memory are four brothers, Thomas (Gloria) of Cleveland, OH; Dennis of Somers Point, Kenneth (Delores) of Egg Harbor Township and Alan Jones (Diana) of El Paso, Tex.; three sisters, Cheryl Harden of New York City; Mercedes (Jerome) Caesar and Angela (Robert) Stewart, all of Egg Harbor Township, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A graveside funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 28th, 2021 at the Atlantic City Cemetery in Pleasantville, where all who attend are being asked by the family to wear a face covering. Services are under the direction of the Serenity Funeral Home, 414 S. Main St. Pleasantville, NJ 08232.