Genova Jones, 85, departed this life on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at the Duke Medical Pavilion, Durham, NC due to surgical complications. She was born on February, 7, 1933 to the late James W. and Ruby B. Jones. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one daughter; Janice Alexander, two brothers, James A. Jones, and Ozell Jones, and one sister, Elsie Richie.

Genova accepted Christ at an early age and joined Mt. Zion United Methodist Church where she served with dedication, honor and commitment her entire life and a faithful member of the Community Gospel Chorus for over 50 years, until health issues arose. She also served at the First Baptist Church, Goode, VA for many years.

She graduated from Bedford Training School, Bedford, VA in 1955. She attended Virginia Seminary, Lynchburg, VA. Her fondest childhood memories would be with her three brothers and three sisters; the bond of love shared with her cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends, and cross country excursions by train with her parents during the height of segregation.

Employed by the Bedford County School System for over 40 years until her retirement, she touched the lives of many children who continued to recognize and acknowledge her with gratitude until the very end.  Never moved by the quest for power, leadership, or notoriety; yet she never fled a challenge. She said what she meant, and meant what said. With an unwavering spirit, she was one who was always the same, and to everybody. She was bold, but tender; strong, but humble; ordinary, but extraordinary in every way!

Her greatest achievements and accomplishments: EXCEPTIONAL server, EXCEPTIONAL daughter and relative, but MOST HONORABLE, EXCEPTIONAL Mother to her three children, niece, great-niece, cousins, and numerous foster children. EXCEPTIONAL friend to any in need. The infinite bond with her children, only God could create and only God to dissolve, at least down here.

Left to honor and cherish her legacy, one son, Minister Ricky D. Jones, Charlotte, NC; one daughter, Cecelia (Tony) Wright, Goode, VA; one son-in-law, Claude P. Alexander, Jr., Bedford, VA; one grandson, Percy E. Payne III; one granddaughter, Kendra Alexander, Richmond, VA; one brother, Samuel L. Jones, Goode, VA; two sisters, Naomi Freeman, Buchanan, VA and  Virginia Wright, Bedford, VA; one adopted son, Dale (Sandra) Brown, Woodbridge, VA; one adopted daughter, Virginia Mitchel (Brittany), Madison Heights, VA; one devoted foster sister, JoAnne Hamlet, one foster brother, Willie Hamlet, both of Bedford, VA, and a host of relatives and friends.

Never, Ever Goodbye,

but until we meet again!