Phyllis Marie Jones

Phyllis Marie Jones passed away peacefully at her home on March 10, 2023 surrounded by her family and loved ones. She was born in Massachusetts on March 13, 1932, to Delita Marie Bellafato and Philip Anthony Boccuzzi. She was the oldest of three children; followed by her brother Sonny and her sister Joann.

In her teen years she began a career at Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, where she implemented a filing system. She loved dancing and volunteered at the local USO and the Veterans hospital. She married in 1957 and as the wife of a Navy man, lived in Rota Spain, Massachusetts, Florida and finally settled in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

In Virginia, Phyllis was an active member of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church for over 55 years. She was active in the Legion of Mary; the Separated, Divorced, and Widowed group, telephone counseling, food banks, and any opportunity to help someone in need. She diligently and sincerely prayed for those requesting her intercession for a loved one or themselves.

Phyllis volunteered teaching children with Down’s syndrome and other cognitive and developmental disabilities. This led to a full-time position as a Teaching Assistant with Virginia Beach Public School system, where she taught for 30 years. Her teaching style was very effective, helping children to do as much for themselves as they could and to interact as fully as possible. In this way she not only helped the children in her care but helped families to better appreciate their “gift from God,” and remain together.

There were many facets to Phyllis. She was clever and witty and very creative—whether it was writing, doing ceramics, flower arranging, designing her home or helping others to design theirs, crafting new recipes, or telling stories. She loved music, singing and dancing especially to Frank Sinatra. She loved having fun. She dedicated her life to her family and to helping others in need. She loved teaching and working with those with disabilities. She was fiercely faithful to God and deeply spiritual. She accepted life on its terms, seeing it always as a gift, and though she faced many tribulations and challenges, she made the gift beautiful.

In her own words, “I guess I like helping people as I go on in life. It is my way to serve God, even though it is in small ways”.

Phyllis is survived by her children and their spouses, Cheryl and Peter Whelan, Dr. Allan Jones and Mi Hui Kim, Lorelei and Rene Jones; her grandchildren, Heath Whelan and his wife AJ, Philip Whelan and his wife Kacey, Danielle Jones, and Heather Goodman; and her greatgrandchildren Emily. Aubrey, Nora, and Zoe. She is preceded in death by her estranged husband, Harvey Jones her son, Scott Jones, her sister, Joann Alexander, and her brother Sonny Boccuzzi.

For the Viewing and Service, please wear an item of pink, Phyllis’ favorite color, in honor and remembrance of her.

A viewing will be held Monday, March 27th from 6-8 PM, at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home 601 N Witchduck Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462; (757) 671-1717.

Services will be held the morning of Tuesday, March 28, at 11:00 AM at Saint Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 5345 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462; (757) 497-8330. Following the service, there will be a procession back to Rosewood-Kellum for commitment prayers and sharing.

Fond memories & condolences can be left below for the Jones Family.

To celebrate Phyllis’ life, in lieu of flowers, please make donations to any of the following in the name of Phyllis Marie Jones: Alzheimer's Association, St Jude’s Children's Research Hospital, Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore.

See Donation links below.