Martha Gaskins Jones

Martha Gaskins Jones, of New Bern, North Carolina passed away on Sunday April 24, 2022. Martha lived a unique and fascinating life that spanned 101 years. A multigenerational New Bernian farm girl, she attended Bridgeton High School. She graduated from East Carolina Teachers College in 1941 and taught Science and Home Economics at Sunbury High School for the next 5 years. In 1946 she married Robert Powell Jones, Sr. and she devoted the rest of her life to family. Robert's Naval and pilot careers led the family across the nation from Washington, to Hawaii, California, Connecticut, Virginia, and finally back to North Carolina. Retiring to New Bern in 1982, they restored historic houses in the Riverdale District. The final home restored was the historic home at 1215 National Avenue, where they lived. Martha spent her life raising her children and stayed busy with their activities. She was active in church, school, 4-H, and other community events. She earned the name "Grammie" as she welcomed grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved birthdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas. She was famous for her festive feasts on fine china. All were welcome in her home. Known for her wisdom, quiet, humble and kind manner, she was quick to laugh, had a keen wit and sharp mind until her final days. Truly a life well lived!

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Otis Gaskins, Sr. and Mittie Irene Becton Gaskins; her husband, Robert Powell Jones, Sr.; her sister, Mary Gaskins Cowper; and her brother William Otis "Billy" Gaskins, Jr.

She is survived by her children, Robert Powell "R.P." Jones, Jr. (Debbie) of Durham, Dr. Claudia J. Gardner (Dr. Andy) of Salisbury, Douglas "Doug" Jones (Denise) of Greenville, William Christopher "Chris" Jones of Ft. Valley, Virginia and Elaine Rutherford (Jess) of Jacksonville, Florida; seven grandchildren, Erin Jones Davis (Eddie), Shannon Jones Hagen (Eric), Jenn Gardner Selby, Michelle Gardner McCashin (Sean), Kyle Jones, Rob Jones (Megan) and Laura Blanchard (Thann); and seven great grandchildren, Evelyn, Oliver, Madeline, Vivian Rose, Ruth Anne, Shelby and Lincoln.

For those that wish to pay their respects, Mrs. Jones will be available for viewing from 1 to 2pm on Saturday, May 7,2022 at Cotten Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 2pm in the Cotten Chapel.

Interment will immediately follow at Greenleaf Memorial Park at the Lakeside Chapel. After the service, the family will visit with guests.

Because of Martha's love of family camping vacations in National Parks, the family requests in lieu of flowers and other memorials, that a tree or grove of trees be planted in a National Forest in her memory. Donors may use the following link: www.alivingtribute.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cottenfuneralhome.com for the Jones family.

Arrangements are in the care of Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.