Helen Constance Jones, 89, of Orlando, Florida breathed her last on July 16, 2024, and died peacefully in her sleep. Helen was born in Tampa, Florida, the oldest child of the late Walter and Grace Gill.
Helen Jones was an exceptionally caring and selfless person who loved all whom she met without judgment or condition. She and her parents moved to Barbados, the birthplace of her father, when she was a toddler and lived there until the age of ten years old. At that time, she returned with her family to the United States to reside near Tampa, Florida. She was the eldest of three children and is survived by her brother William C. Gill, DVM (Amy), of Tallahassee, Florida, and her sister Ruth Gill Bishop (Howard), of Freeport, Florida.
Helen was married to the late Charles W. Jones for forty-one years until his death in 1996. The young couple lived for a short time in England where Charles was stationed with the Air Force, a year or so after the birth of their first child. The couple’s second son, Larry, was born on base while they were there. Helen would tell the story of Charles rushing to get a cab instead of an ambulance when it was time for the baby, and how Larry was very nearly born in the taxi! After a severe injury which left her husband partially disabled, Helen returned to America carrying along their infant and toddler son all by herself on a Transatlantic ship voyage. Only a couple of years after their return to the states, a tragic accident would claim the lives of their precious boys.
Helen and Charles were the parents of six children including the two tiny souls who preceded them in death; the late Richard Alan Jones and the late Lawrence Charles Jones. The four children born after this tragic loss included the late Phyllis Anne Archer and the late Michael L. Jones, who also preceded Helen in death.
Helen is survived by her daughter Donna M. Gotschall (Michael) of Winter Park, Florida and her daughter, Nancy E. Townsend of Orlando, Florida. Helen was the proud grandmother of sixteen grandchildren: the late Angela Christine Archer, William C. Archer, Richard L. Archer (Abigail); Lauren N. Phillips (Joey), Austin L. Hannon (Travis), Major Michael H. Gotschall, Jr. MD (Brittany), Matthew R. Gotschall, David C. Gotschall, Abigail H. Thomas (Peyton), Grace M. Riddleberger (Lachlan); Robert L. Townsend, Barry G. Townsend (Magnolia), Rebecca G. Townsend, Rachel M. Townsend, Rhapsody W. Townsend (Nikki) and Zandrya Thomas (Al).
Helen is survived by twenty-six great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren including Lucas Preston (Carrie), Noah Archer, Caleb Archer, Will Archer, Rhapsody Townsend, Jr., Jarai Townsend, Amelia Townsend, Mae Lin Townsend, Amelia Grace Phillips, Rosalie Phillips, Willem Phillips, Theodore Gotschall, Ellis Gotschall, Gemma Gotschall, Henry Thomas, Atlas Hannon, Nathaniel Townsend, Nicky Townsend and Nani Townsend, Jayla Townsend, Ezekiel Townsend, Jaiyana Townsend, Zion Townsend, Zaequan Townsend, Zaniyah Townsend and Jace Townsend. Her two great-great grandchildren are Thio Preston and Zoe Preston. Helen is also survived by a number of dearly-loved nieces and nephews with whom she has maintained contact throughout their lives. Up until the time she began to lose parts of her memory, she could list the birthdays and significant others and children of each of her nieces and nephews! Many have mentioned that she never failed to call on their birthdays…a very special gift of hers indeed.
Though extremely proud of her children and grandchildren, Helen was an extraordinarily gifted person in her own right. Those who knew her well, knew of her sweet, melodic soprano singing voice which she used to sing in the choir at Belle Isle Community Church (f/k/a Pine Castle United Methodist Church) for over 57 years. A highly intelligent individual as well, Helen graduated at the top her class as the Valedictorian of Brandon High School, Class of 1954. Her dreams of becoming a missionary or Sunday School Education Director were diverted when she met and fell in love with her charming Air Force husband, Charles Jones. She chose to be a stay-at-home Mom for many years until she decided to return to the workforce as a restaurant server in order to help her husband finance opportunities for their children.
Over the years of her adult life, Helen was very involved in her local church, singing in the choir, baking and making crafts for many church bazaars. Additionally, her compassion led her to take her young children along with her to deliver flowers and visit with the homebound members of her church congregation. She served as a Boy Scout Den Mother for her son, Mike, and volunteered with the school PTA in addition to logging countless hours of driving her children to and from band and cheer practice, after school activities and social events. Later in life, Helen traveled back to England with her church choir, as well as taking a journey to Israel and a return to her childhood home in Barbados.
Her selfless nature and heart to serve others knew no bounds. Her daughter enjoyed telling others in recent years that her 80-something year old Mom was still “driving the elderly people to church on Sundays,” and she did so until she was no longer able to drive. During the Covid pandemic, Helen created her own “telephone ministry” of sorts just phoning members of her church congregation and checking in on them during the time that so many were isolated from others.
Helen Jones had a smile that radiated love, kindness and joy and even though life handed her some intense challenges and tragic circumstances, her smile never dimmed. She was loved by all who knew her and the void that her absence leaves behind will be felt for many years to come. Her children and grandchildren are grateful for the outpouring of love and support they have experienced since her passing earlier this week.
Final arrangements for Helen have been entrusted to Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home. There will be a viewing for those who care to pay final respects on Saturday, July 27, 2024 between 3:00 and 5:00 pm at 1413 Semoran Blvd., Orlando, FL 32807.
A Celebration of Life will be held in honor of Helen on Sunday, July 28, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Belle Isle Community Church, 731 Fairlane Avenue, Belle Isle, FL 32809. All are welcome!
Helen will be laid to rest beside her husband in Seffner, Florida.
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