Jones a family woman

Whether it was making a quilt for one of her children or having a cookout with friends, Gayle Jones was always doing something for her family, relatives said.

Jones’s daughter Deana Privett said she remembers her family was always planning gatherings with her parents closest friends, the Mathis family. She said her mother had a strong belief about the definition of family.

“(Mom) believed family wasn’t just blood-related, but that it was a bonding of close friendships which made an extended family,” Privett said.

Whenever Jones, who died May 7, 2003, had any spare time, she was often found reading a good book, family members said.

Privett said her mother was someone who loved life, motivated others and always instilled in her children that “education will take you anywhere, so never stop learning or trying to excel.”

Some of Jones’s other hobbies included cross stitching, quilting and pencil art, which has left all of Jones’s children, grandchildren and close friends with handcrafted gifts that they will cherish forever, family members said.

Besides being a very intelligent woman, Privett said her mother was a kind woman who was always there for her anytime she needed her.

“Above all, my mother wanted happiness for her children and grandchildren,” Privett said.

A great sense of humor is what Jones’s uncle Darrell Martin said he will remember most about his niece, who he described as a great person and wonderful mother.

“I’ll never forget her setting outside in our front yard when the weather was nice flipping her hair saying ‘just smell that oxygen,’ ” Martin said.

After 24 years as a married couple, Jones’s husband Darrell said he learned patience, understanding and how to be a better parent to his children. However, Darrell said Jones’s determination, fight for life and strong faith is what he’ll remember most about his wife.

“She always put her faith in God and credited Him for everything good that happened to her and her family,” Darrell said.