Rebecca Payne Jones, affectionately known as “Becky”, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2018 at the age of 96. She was born on February 7, 1922 in Shelby County, Alabama where she lived until she met the love of her life, Stevenson “Steve” C. Jones, whose career with the railroad brought him to Birmingham. They were married in 1964 and Steve’s work would soon take them to Atlanta and Tampa, the latter where they spent many of their happiest years. They participated in a variety of service projects and social events and while there, met lifelong devoted friends, Liz and Jack Flood. Twenty three years ago, upon Steve’s retirement, they returned to Becky’s hometown of Helena to be closer to family. Becky, never one to sit idle, joined the Nabors Cemetery Association, where she soon was elected president. She was instrumental in starting a campaign to have the small cemetery in Saginaw, established in 1868 and where many of her ancestors and immediate family were buried, recognized as an historic cemetery and as such, listed in the Alabama Historic Cemetery Register by the Alabama Historical Commission and in the Alabama Cemetery Register by the Alabama Cemetery Preservation Alliance. Her efforts led to said designations in 2004 and in October 2005, she oversaw the Historic Marker Dedication Ceremony. She and Steve were devoted Episcopalians and were founding members and loyal servants of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit in Alabaster. Becky, never one to meet a stranger, will be remembered for her infectious smile and zest for life. She is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Steve Jones; her son Robert E. (Bobby) McPoland, Jr.; her parents Arch and Dora Payne; two brothers, Howard Knowles and Arch Payne, Jr.; and three sisters, Mildred P. Cone, Doris P. Davis and Betty P. Jenkins. Becky was the last surviving sibling of the James Arch Payne, Sr. family. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Nancy McPoland; two granddaughters, Kathryn McPoland Esquivel (Fernando) and Allyson McPoland; five great grandchildren, Robbie, Emmett and Charlie Esquivel and Noah and Ethan Wellbourne; a special niece and nephew, Sally and Jeff Fried, devoted caregivers of Becky and Steve; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral service, officiated by the Rev. Bill Blackerby, will be held on Tuesday, July 24 at 11:00 AM in the chapel of John Ridout’s Valley Chapel in Homewood with visitation one hour prior at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in the Nabor’s Cemetary in Saginaw. Donations may be made to the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit, P.O. Box 2365, 858 Kent Dairy Road, Alabaster, AL 35007.
