Mary Arabella Jones

1932-2006

Mary Arabella Jones passed from this earth on Friday, May 19, 2006 with daughter-in-law Anne by her side. Known to many of her friends and family members simply as "Arabella," or "Jonesy," she was a native and life-long resident of Pensacola. Born to Charles P. and Gladys A. (Creighton) Colley on January 12, 1932. She attended Ferry Pass School, where she was May Queen in 1944. She graduated from Tate High School in 1949 where she was the first female senior class president. She then attended Sacred Heart School of Nursing graduating as a registered nurse in 1952. That same year she married the love of her life, John R. Jones, Jr.

Arabella's caring and compassionate nature found genuine expression in nursing. She approached it with passionate commitment and professionalism. She believed that caring for the sick and acknowledging the inherent dignity of each of her patients was indeed a sacred calling. She excelled at her profession, working with OB-GYN specialist, Dr. Dodson, and later with Neuro-Surgeon, Dr. Tom Holmes. She retired as an Oncology nurse from Baptist Hospital.

Arabella was a member of First Baptist Church of Pensacola and a faithful Christian. A devoted wife and mother of three, she loved her family more than her own life. Their happiness and well-being was her primary concern. She was, and remains, an endless source of hope, comfort, and inspiration to her children and grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John R. Jones, Jr., a sister, Sallie Belle Stoltenberg, three brothers, Jack, Tom, and Charles Colley, and her parents, Charles P. and Gladys A. Creighton Colley.

She is survived by her children, Chris (Angie) Jones, Lisa (Blake) Arant, and Jamey (Anne) Jones; grandchildren, Shauna Jones, John R. Jones, III, Corey Jones, Aidan Arant, Maya Pugh-Jones, (all of Pensacola), Merywen Wigley (of Durham, N.C.), Masarnen (Dave) Boster; Great Grandchildren, Dylan and Dawson Boster, (all of Chesapeake, Ohio); a sister, Gladys (Bill) Smith (of St. Petersburg, FL.), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be on Friday, May 26, 2006 from 5-7 p.m. at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel.

Funeral Service will be held at a 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, May 27, 2006, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, followed by a graveside service at Bayview Memorial on Scenic Highway.

Pallbearers will be Mike Williams, Mickey Parker, Bruce Yelverton, Jeff Mitchell, Steve Bailey, and Chip Colley.

The family wishes to thank Covenant Hospice. They would also like to thank the staff of The Haven of Our Lady of Peace, specifically the devoted nurses and aides of Heritage Court, whose compassion and kindness have meant more than words can say.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Covenant Hospice or First Baptist Church of Pensacola.

HARPER-MORRIS MEMORIAL CHAPEL is in charge of arrangements.