Jonelle R. "Jo" Jones

May 10, 1937 – June 4, 2025

Jonelle R. Jones, affectionately known as “Jo,” passed away peacefully on June 4, 2025, at the age of 88, in Palm Coast, Florida.

Born on May 10, 1937 in Akolona, Arkansas, Jo was the beloved daughter of Marvin and Fannie Ryan. Raised in the close-knit community of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, she developed a lifelong love of learning, a warm adventurous spirit, and a strength that defined her life. She attended Arkadelphia High School and was in the National Honor Society and a cheerleader her senior year. After graduating from high school, Jo attended Henderson State Teachers College (HSTC) graduating with a bachelor of education degree and was a member of the Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority. While attending HSTC she met and married the love of her life, Billy G. Jones (from Little Rock), with whom she shared 68 devoted years of marriage.

Jo’s early career was dedicated to teaching kindergarten and third grade students, nurturing young minds with patience, creativity, and care. After stepping away from teaching, she embraced her entrepreneurial skills when she created and operated a yarn shop where she exposed multitudes to needlework craft. She later found success and camaraderie in Mary Kay Cosmetics where she achieved the level of Director earning several pink automobiles while inspiring and mentoring countless women with her elegance and grace.

She found joy in board games, chicken foot dominoes, working crossword puzzles, and exploring her talents in the kitchen. An avid and accomplished bridge player, Jo attained the rare and high level of Gold Life Master. Yet, her deepest joys came from traveling the world on ocean cruises alongside Billy and friends.

Jo loved to entertain, laugh, and have fun. She was always looking for her next adventure. She truly loved life and lived it to the fullest.

Jo leaves behind her husband, Billy G. Jones; her son, Stephen (Kimberly) Jones of Dayton, Ohio; her daughter, Melinda (John) Micheletto of Knoxville, Tennessee; and two grandsons, Ryan and Justin Jones of Dayton, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Louise Sexton.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jo’s life on Saturday, June 14, 2025. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Craig-Flagler Palms Funeral Home, 511 Old Kings Road South in Flagler Beach, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jonelle’s honor to the Arkansas Methodist Children’s Home, 2002 S. Fillmore St., Little Rock, AR 72204 – a cause close to her heart.

Jo will always be remembered for her southern charm, warmth, and enduring grace.

Condolences may be shared with the Jones family at www.craigflaglerpalms.com.