Marilyn Bailey Evans-Jones

Marilyn will be remembered by her family as a woman who inspired and amazed them with her abiding faith, her strong belief in service to others, her great love and generosity, and her million-dollar smile.

Throughout her life, Marilyn was a true Proverbs 31 woman who gave of herself to her family, friends, church, community, and nation. She viewed service as “paying my rent on earth.” A trailblazer for women’s success in public life, Marilyn famously encouraged other women to pursue their goals in whatever sphere they chose. She was a hero and mentor to many, beloved for her generosity, kindness, wisdom, and good humor.

Marilyn was a cherished wife and deeply adored mother and grandmother. Her children built their lives on the rock of her unconditional love; her grandchildren were sustained by their “Nannie’s” loving encouragement. Her entire family strives to emulate her example of love, faith, and service. The biggest blessing of my life," Marilyn said, "is that all my children love the Lord, and all of their children love the Lord, and now that’s being passed down to my great-grandchildren as well.”

Marilyn was born on November 19, 1928, in DeLand, Florida, to Cecil and Augusta Bailey. She grew up in Jacksonville and graduated from Landon High School and Duke University. In 1950, she married Hugh Evans and was blessed with four children: Hugh, Dan, Cecile, and Mary Louise.

At St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Melbourne, Florida, Marilyn taught Sunday School, worked with the youth, and was President of the Women’s Society of Christian Service. She also led her children’s Cub Scout and Girl Scout troops.

She served as President of the Republican Women of the South Beaches, as Republican State Committeewoman, and as a five-term State Representative who claimed, “To be successful in politics, you need an alligator hide and Jesus inside.” Many of her legislative bills were inspired by family members, including Florida’s Child Safety Restraint Act, the Temporary Handicapped Parking Act, the Clean Indoor Air Act, and bills promoting community mental health.

Marilyn was named one of the Ten Outstanding Legislators in the United States, was honored at a White House luncheon, and was the first woman to run for Florida Lt. Governor. She was appointed to the Governor's Constituency for Children, the Constitutional Revision Committee, and the Cabinet Revision Commission. She was chosen Legislator of the Year by the state Easter Seal Society, The Arc of Florida and the Space Coast Association for the Physically Handicapped.

Marilyn married Edward Jones in 1981, and later moved to Amelia Island, where she worked to create the Republican Party of Nassau County. In recognition of the woman many consider to be “the mother of the Nassau County Republican Party,” Marilyn was the first inductee into the Nassau County Republican Hall of Fame, and the Federated Republican Women of Nassau County established the Marilyn Evans-Jones Scholarship.

Marilyn served as President of the Governing Board that founded the Amelia Plantation Chapel, as Chairman of the Board that founded the domestic violence shelter Micah’s Place, and as a board member of the Nassau County Salvation Army. She was honored with the Eve Award for Volunteerism, the Diamond Award, the Volunteer Jacksonville Heart of Gold Award, and the prestigious Great Floridian Award.

Marilyn truly changed the world. Her greatest legacy is in the hearts of those who love her.

Marilyn is survived by her four children and their families: Hugh and Linda Evans of Melbourne, Florida; Dan and Angie Evans of Indialantic, Florida; Cecile and Robert Rider of Jacksonville, Florida; and Mary Louise and Tom Raiford of Tequesta, Florida; eleven grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren; two step-daughters, Barbara and Robert Parish of Tampa, Florida, and Virginia Ramsdell of Picayune, Mississippi; seven step-grandchildren and eleven step-great-grandchildren; and by her brother and his wife, Dr. William and Bonnie Bailey, of Birmingham, Alabama.

Marilyn is predeceased by her husband, Edward Jones of Fernandina Beach, Florida; her first husband, Hugh Evans of Melbourne, Florida; and her sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Graham McGehee of Jacksonville, Florida.

A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at the Amelia Plantation Chapel, 36 Bowman Road, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32904. To help protect others, guests are requested to wear a mask. The service will also be available online.

A Committal Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32207, beginning in Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Legacy Lodge and concluding at the graveside. To help protect others, guests are requested to wear a mask.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Micah’s Place, 474311 E State Rd 200, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034; micahsplace.org/donate/ and to Pregnancy Resources, 165 N. Babcock St, Melbourne, FL 32935; pregnancyresourcesmelbourne.com/donate.