Justine Laura Jones

Our mother, Justine Laura Jones, lived 86 wonderful years. She left her earthly body April 28th surrounded by her devoted children and beloved dogs, Princess and Frazier. She took no material things with her, but left all the memories of her deeds to fill our lifetimes.

She was called many things in her life: Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Friend, Spicy, Classy, Full of Vinegar, the names can go on. Many unique times and experiences shaped her vibrant personality and selfless giving spirit. She grew up on Caney Ridge Mountain in Virginia on a farm with nine siblings during the Depression and WWII, and really did walk five miles to school on a mountain! These experiences taught her not to waste anything in life and to give freely so others would not suffer.

She had a horse as a child that she fondly remembered. Because of this, she found great joy in any program with horses. Due to her rural upbringing, she loved working outdoors and was a skillful farmer, crafter, and gardener. She could do almost any craft as well as crochet and cross stitch and began passing the art of sewing down to her daughter, Carol when she was five years of age. Her incredible gardening skills are still reflected in the flowers that grace not only her yard but the yards of her family, neighbors, and several churches in our area.

She had a flare for fashion and styling hair and enjoyed work as a beautician managing several beauty shops in Muncie. She was known for her ability to do finger waves and long hair styles. In her free time she loved dancing, music, and dressing up and always wanted to be where the laughter was. In her lifetime she traveled almost all of the US and went to Europe, the Netherlands, Belgium, the Bahamas and Hawaii with her son, Mike.

During her life she experienced the trying loss of parents, siblings, twin children, three husbands, and two grandchildren, thus she had great empathy for others. When she remarried she showed us how to be a loving and kind blended family. She loved her family with a steadfast passion, but most of all she loved God and taught us to pray very early in life. Christian music seeped from her doorsteps when we visited her and she would happily dance with her beloved dog, Princess.

It was an honor and pleasure to care for our mother as she aged. We mourn the loss of her presence but are joyous for her to receive her just reward with God and we know how she looked forward to seeing her heavenly family.

Justine's family: Carol McDonald, daughter, husband Danny, four children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; Kathy Ferrari, daughter, husband Steve, Feeding Hills, Massachusetts , two children, two grandchildren; Lynn Puckett, son, wife Sandy, three children, ten grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; Michael Acker, son, whom lived with and cared for her this last year, and his dog Frazier; Alberta Rose, sister, husband Ralph, Abington, Virginia.; Jarvie Mullins, brother, wife June, St Petersburg, Florida; Cecil Rose, brother-in-law, Barnesville, Georgia.; Shelba Himer, special niece, Barnesville, Georgia.; Jeff Alexander, special neighbor, friend and gardener who cared for her yard when she could not. And many extended family members and friends.

Our family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. James Dunn and his staff, Indiana Home Care, and Kindred Hospice.

Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Lawrence Catholic Church, 820 East Charles Street, Muncie, Indiana 47305.

Services will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 5, 2018, at Elm Ridge Funeral Home, 4600 West Kilgore Avenue, Muncie, Indiana 47304 with Father David Hellmann officiating.

Family and friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Saturday at Elm Ridge Funeral Home.

Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.elmridgefuneralhome.com.