Jay Jones, 85

Josephine “Jay” Jones, age 85, of Sturgis, passed away unexpectedly Jan. 19, 2013.

She was born Nov. 1, 1927, in Chicago, a daughter of Peter and Anna (Scaperidine) Napoli. Jay had resided in Sturgis since 1973. On June 5, 1954, she married Robert “Bob” Carwile Jones in Chicago, Illinois.

Jay grew up on the south side of Chicago. She attended Chicago Teachers College and graduated with a degree in physical education. She and her family moved to locations all over the country, wherever her husband Bob’s work as an industrial engineer was needed. In Sturgis, she worked at Danners 3-D department store until it closed and in later years worked at Willer’s Shoes.

Jay was an extremely active person. She served on various church groups at Holy Angels Parish. Jay was a dedicated and faithful friend of Bea Good, and cared for Bea as her advocate as she lived for many years at Thurston Woods. Jay could be seen visiting and bringing joy to many other people who resided at Thurston Woods. She participated in organizations for the mentally impaired in St. Joseph County. Beyond being a faithful friend to many, she cared for her family above all other things and was greatly interested in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jay is survived by her daughters, Ellen Jones and Janice (Scott) Davidson of Sturgis, and Linda (Daniel) Holmquist, of Lancaster, Calif.; a son, Peter (Leilani) Jones of New Boston; brothers-in-law Robert Leigh (Jewel Ann) Jones of Richmond, Va., and Albert White of Crown Point, Ind. ; 10 grandchildren, Richard Lee Davidson and Lauren Marie Davidson of Sturgis, Rebecca (Jeff) Revell and Matthew (Kim) Jones, all of Newport, and Sarah, Hannah, Leah, Dinah, Micah and Isaiah Holmquist of Lancaster, Calif.; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband; her brothers, Martin, Julius, Alex; and her sisters Carmella and Madeline.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27 at Hackman Funeral Home of Sturgis. The Rosary will be said at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. A funeral Mass celebrating the life of Josephine Jones will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 28 at Holy Angels Catholic Church. The Rev. Father Germán Pérez-Diaz will officiate. A committal service will be held at Oaklawn Cemetery following the funeral service.

The family suggests that those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Jones’ memory consider Holy Angels Catholic Church in Sturgis. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.