Carol “Lynn” Jones was born on September 19, 1955, to Alexander “Buddy” Benjamin and Frances May Benjamin. She grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on the 5800 block of Lambert Street in East Oak Lane alongside her brothers, Gregory and Carl. On August 2, 1972, Lynn and William White welcomed son, Wesley into the world. The following year, she graduated from Germantown High School. After completing courses at Peirce College, Lynn began working for the Department of Defense. Shortly thereafter, she married Robert Collins, Jr. and their daughter, Lauren, was born on January 12, 1981. Lynn spent years as a stay-at-home mom and returned to the Department of Defense (DoD) after her divorce.
Lynn had a servant’s heart and was a longtime member of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she served as a member on the choir and on the Soul Winning Action Team. As part of her professional development with the DoD, Lynn relocated to San Diego, California. Once there she continued serving, praising and worshipping the Lord at New Creation Church in San Diego, California. She joined the senior choir in 1998 and took part in several ministries, including a missionary trip to Swaziland where she helped local farmers with their agricultural needs. Lynn met Lawrence Jones in the singles ministry, and on June 13, 2006, the two were married. In addition to her work as a government employee, Lynn owned several properties in California and Pennsylvania. Her properties Included the Parent’s Place Assisted Living Facility and residences for low-income housing which supported her compassion for those in need. In 2015, Lynn retired as the Supervisor of the Joint Engineering Data Management Information and Control Center after completing her government career with the Department of Defense.
Lynn traveled to numerous places throughout her lifetime, but the “real” travel did not begin until retirement. Lynn and Lawrence would go on to complete numerous global excursions from 7-day cruises to 39-day expeditions. They have visited all seven continents and crossed all seven seas. Their journeys included enjoying jazz and gospel cruises, soaking in the Blue Lagoon, exploring the U.S. National Parks, climbing glaciers, cruising the Panama Canal, visiting the Vatican, touring the Holy Land, buying jewelry in Greece, sunbathing in the Caribbean, taking photographs of the Mona Lisa, indulging in the Mexican Lobster and Crab feast and many more adventures. Nationally or international, anyone who encountered Lynn felt loved through her kind spirit and big heart. She poured so much love into her family and nothing was more important to her than family. Her family was the love of her life and she was the love of their lives.
Inspired by her mother, Lynn was passionate about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Every morning, she drank at least 64 ounces of water before breakfast. She would split almost every meal in half and replace the half with all types of vegetables. Lynn was very conscious and mindful of what she put into her body. Through the years, Lynn remained active participating in numerous activities such as volleyball, racquet ball, step aerobics, Tae Bo, air-hockey, distance walking and, her most recent love, pickleball. She was a proud member of the pickleball team, “Just Wanna Have Fun!” Lynn completed numerous 5Ks including the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s. In honor of her mother, she created Team Unforgettable and walked, annually. Lynn was also active in her community as a member of the Harambe Social Club and the Ocala Democracy Party Committee after relocating to Ocala, Florida in 2019. Down time consisted of watching musicals, movies and series based on comedy, action and everything Disney. Her favorite movies were, The Sound of Music, The Greatest Showmen, Burlesque and Dreamgirls.
As the autumn leaves fell gracefully from the sky, Lynn completed her earthly sojourn on November 3, 2024. Jesus welcomed His faithful servant home to paradise, where her sacred circle of ancestors gathered in joy. There to embrace her were the those she missed so dearly, her parents, Buddy and Frances, and a great cloud of witnesses waiting with open arms to welcome her home, including her stepson, Joseph. Left to honor, treasure, and continue Lynn’s legacy are her husband, Lawrence Jones; children, Wesley Collins and Lauren Ingram (Edwin); son-in-law, Edwin Ingram; grandchildren, Ryann Collins, Delaney Collins, and Eli Ingram; stepdaughter Shay Golden; step-grandchildren, ShaLyce Elliott and Maliq Johnson; stepdaughter-in-law, LaToya LeFlore (Joseph); and step-great granddaughter, Zendaya Stegall; brothers Gregory Benjamin and Carl Benjamin (Wanda); sister-in-law, Wanda Benjamin; nieces, Cana Rhodan and Brittany Benjamin; nephews, Caleb Rhodan and Bryce Benjamin; cousins, Lelia Woodard, Linda Thomas and Jeffery Bedford; and a host of extended family and beloved friends.
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A visitation for Carol will be held Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Fero Funeral Home & Life Celebration Center, 5955 North Lecanto Highway, Beverly Hills, FL 34465. A memorial service will occur Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 5955 North Lecanto Highway, Beverly Hills, FL 34465. A celebration of life (Repast) will occur Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM, 5955 North Lecanto Highway, Beverly Hills, FL 34465.
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