×

JOYCE MILDRED JONES

Joyce Mildred Jones, formerly of Blue Springs, Missouri, died July 23, 2021, at MidMichigan Medical Center-Alpena. She was born in Columbus, Georgia on Feb. 2, 1927, the daughter of David and Quida (Harris) Melvin. She grew up in Juniper, Georgia with four siblings and graduated from high school in Buena Vista. She earned a scholarship to Martha Berry College but was unable to attend due to family responsibilities.

She was married to Charles W. Jones (Bud) who was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia on May 2, 1947, and they made their home in Holden, Missouri. Joyce and Bud had two children: Melvin and Barbara. Barbara died in adulthood a few years following the death of Joyce’s husband. After 29 years of service, she retired from Olin Corporation, formerly known as Lake City Ammunition Plant, as a quality control inspector. Because of her work ethic, this was not the end but rather, the beginning.

Joyce moved to Blue Springs, Missouri and began her years of service with the City of Blue Springs Parks and Recreation Department. She also began to volunteer at Vesper Hall in 1992 as a charter member of the choir and as assistant cook and related services, earning a prestigious service award during her 25 years with Vesper Hall. Joyce completed her second retirement at 90 years old with “Joyce Jones Day” being proclaimed by Carson Ross, Mayor of Blue Springs, Missouri. She earned the Rebekah degree from the Independence Order of Odd Fellows and in 2009 served as Noble Grand of the Live Oak Rebekah Lodge. In addition, she volunteered at her local church, Blue Springs Baptist, and was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary. She moved to Alpena, Michigan to be with her son, Mel and his wife Kathleen Jones in 2017, and was a member of the Alpena Free Methodist Church.

Joyce is survived by her son Melvin (Kathleen) Jones, of Alpena and sister, Jeanette Jasper, of Columbus, Georgia. She also leaves eight grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A Graveside Committal Service will take place on Aug. 14, 2021, in Columbus, Georgia with Inurnment at the Veteran’s Gardens in Parkhill Cemetery. Online condolences may be made to the family at karpushuntercares.com