Mary Johnson Jones

She was born on June 4th, 1941, to the late Totsie Emmerson and Calvert Johnson. Mary was also greeted in Heaven by her brother Calvert “Jim” Johnson II, amongst many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family members.

Mary is survived by her husband of 64 years, Robert Lee Jones; four children, Steven Lee “Steve” Jones (Betsy), Amy J. Pinigis, David Jones (Lori), and Calvert Jones; twelve grandchildren, Lindsey J. Cardwell (David), Cassidy J. DeWitt (Matthew), Robert Lucas Jones, Mary P. Meehan (Tom), Edwin Pinigis, III (Alessia), Amber Pinigis, Holly Pinigis (Corey Nicotera), Hannah Pinigis, Winter P. Herring (Stan), Ashley Pinigis, Chad Pinigis (Mehgan) Summer Danielle Jones; thirteen great-grandchildren, Scarlett and Larkyn Cardwell, Jones and Collins DeWitt, Zac, Declan and Conor Meehan, Ava, Bradee, and Easton Nicotera, Harvey and Leo Herring and Grey Pinigis. Mary is also survived by siblings Arthur Burch (Patricia), Terry Burch (Betty) Tim Emmerson (Debra), and Kim Mays (Brian), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Mary was the devoted wife of Robert “Bob” Jones, 86, for 64 years, whom she met while she was attending EC Glass High School. Mary and Bob were married on her 18th birthday and continued to share their deep love for one another until her death. Mary and Bob made Lynchburg their home and raised four children together. You could never find Mary sitting still; she was constantly active, staying busy cooking, or attending school functions and games. Mary was always the biggest cheerleader for those she loved. She cherished people and used her social strengths while working at Leggetts for a number of years. Those who knew Mary would speak of her never-ending energy, her zest for life, her undeniable beauty, both inside and out, and the love she showed to those around her.

Mary was the proud “Nanny”/”Nannie” to twelve grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren, who became the center of her world. On days when Mary was not chauffeuring grandchildren to events and cheering at a game, you could find her walking Wyndhurst in a matching outfit and visor, driving around town with a Slurpee in her “Nanie12” minivan, sharing a meal with a loved one, planning her next trip to Myrtle Beach, talking on her cell phone for hours, or spending time doing what she loved, shopping. As a longtime member of Thomas Road Baptist Church, Mary was always enthusiastic in sharing the love of Jesus Christ with others. With her steadfast faith at the center of all she did, she put God and family before all else. Never hesitating to do for others, she became “Nanny”/ “Nannie” to many friends of the family. She always made those around her feel comfortable; she encouraged everyone around her to be the best they could be.

While both her father and brother were killed in action, Mary’s patriotism was unmatched. She urged all those around her to respect the service of veterans and appreciate the sacrifices of those who serve and their families.

The loss of Mary creates a great void in the Jones family. But through faith, they all know there is a beautifully majestic reunion awaiting each member at the pearly gates of Heaven. Mary’s legacy will live on, and the memories with loved ones will be shared for many years to come.

A memorial service will be held in Pate Chapel at Thomas Road Baptist Church on Monday, March 18th at 12:00 noon. The family would like to extend an invitation to anyone whose life was impacted by Mary, their Angel on Earth.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mary's memory may be made to Thomas Road Baptist Church, 1 Mountain View Rd, Lynchburg, Virginia 24502, www.trbc.org.