Gretchen Angela Jones

Gretchen was born December 10th 1946 in Columbus, the daughter of the late Gretchen Kennedy Franco and Angelo John Franco. Gretchen graduated from Pacelli High School in 1964 and attended Columbus College. She retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Columbus after a career of over 35 years.

She had a lifelong passion for books, baking (birthday, pound cakes, and cheesecakes) and cooking (spaghetti, meatballs and lasagna). Along her life journey, she took up bowling, movies, knitting, cross-stitch and macrame. In retirement, she enjoyed cooking shows, game shows and shopping online.

Gretchen, known as Gigi to her grandchildren, relished being part of family outings and celebrations. She loved her family, her lunch group and her large group of lifelong friends. Everyone will always remember her for her smile, ability to find simple joys and being a selfless single mother that raised 2 children and also helped raise generations; including her siblings, a nephew, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the pets of hers and her extended family.

Gretchen is survived by her children, Christopher Lee Jones (Lisa) and Kevin Anthony Jones; grandchildren, Garrett C. Jones, Sophia Gretchen Jones, Lauren Ehrhart (Taylor) and Jordan Coffield (Briana); great-grandchildren, Bennett, Annistyn and Harper, her brothers, Michael Franco (Shelley) and Mark Franco (Bonnie); a nephew, John Franco; and numerous cousins.

A visitation for family and friends will be hosted at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Rd, Columbus, GA 31907 on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm in the St. Elmo room, followed by a graveside service at Parkhill Cemetery, 4161 Macon Rd, Columbus, GA 31907 at 3:00 pm.