Laura Catherine Jones, 79, passed away on February 25, 2023. She was born in Brooklyn, New York to the late Percy Harrison Gravenhise and Hazel Giles Gravenhise. She was a graduate of the June 1961 class of Eastern District High School in New York. Laura was a Manager with the Office of Central Processing, City of New York for many years and retired after 30+ years of service. In 1998 she moved to Virginia Beach to be closer to family. In her spare time, Laura enjoyed sewing, bowling, traveling, dancing, games and TV game shows. She also enjoyed baking delicious cakes for everyone (birthdays, holidays, and special occasions). Whenever there was a function, folks would ask "Where is (Aunt) Laura's cake"?
Laura was predeceased by her childhood sweetheart, husband of 52 years, James Jones; 2 brothers Percy Gravenhise, Robert Gravenhise; and 1 sister Rosie Gravenhise.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Thea Jones of Virginia Beach; sisters-in-law, Donna Jones of Virginia Beach, and Beatrice Jones of Georgia; The McKnight Family of Virginia Beach; Lucie James of Virginia Beach and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, former co-workers and friends.
The family will receive friends Thursday, March 2, 2023 from 6-8:00 PM at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, Kempsville Chapel. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on March 3, 2023 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Princess Anne Memorial Park. A reception will follow at the home of Donna Jones. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
