Myrtle Estelle (Higdon) Jones

Myrtle Estelle Higdon Jones, age 80, went home to be with her Savior on December 17, 2023.

Born Myrtle Estelle Higdon, January 16, 1943, in the mining community of Acmar, Alabama to the late James Samuel Higdon and Lovenia Estelle Duke Higdon. Myrtle was our “coal miner’s daughter.” The eldest girl of eight siblings. She is survived by sisters Janice Higdon Cole of Montgomery and Charlene Higdon Keith (Don) of Indian Springs Village, AL – and brothers James Higdon and Ronald Higdon (Pat) both of Trussville, AL. Sister Ruby Higdon Williams and brothers Billy and Daniel Higdon predeceased her.

After graduating Springville High School in 1961, Myrtle entered the workforce and became a professional union seamstress.

On a blind-date made by mutual friends – Myrtle met her soul mate in recently divorced Don Jones – and at 21 years-old she became an instant mother to Don’s eight-year-old and ten-year-old sons who survive her: Robert Steven “Steve” Jones (Donia) and Donald Alan Jones (Vicky) both of Tuscaloosa. She is also survived by the sons of Steve - Jeremy Jones (Laura) Austin, TX and Josh Jones (Akiko) Homewood, AL and the daughter of Alan – Kristy Jones Woods (Jayson) Northport, AL, and seven beautiful great-grandchildren who filled her later years with so much happiness – they are Brooks and Harper Jones; Naomi, Emma and Ella Jones; Makayla and Declan Woods.

Myrtle and Don’s marriage spanned over 52 years and produced a surviving son Bobby ”Bob” Benton Jones (Tuscaloosa).

She worked until the birth of her son Bobby, at which time she left the garment factory and devoted herself to family, home, and church. Myrtle loved gardening and was happiest when working with flowers at home or church. Few could challenge her skills in the kitchen – she was an excellent cook with signature items that included mouth-watering fried chicken tenders, fried okra, pecan pie and the always popular Orange Cake which became known as her “funeral cake” because it was requested at every funeral meal. Myrtle loved all things country – from country cooking to country gospel music to country home furnishing. She loved to “garage sale” as she called it – always searching for collectibles; she sewed and made clothes for family and friends; she excelled at ceramics. Myrtle was always busy – her hands and mind were never idle. She always had a “project” going on. Her body just gave out before her spirit – and that was what saddened her the most.

Myrtle Jones had a heart for the Lord. A church friend said she was “always about the Father’s work.” For almost fifty years, Myrtle served the Lord through various ministries at Gilgal Baptist Church. She had a heart for those young and old. She taught preschool Sunday School for several decades and then began ministering to the homebound and those in nursing homes. She helped to start the CARE Committee at Gilgal which provides ICU baskets and organizes funeral meals for the families of deceased church members. During the years when her health permitted, Myrtle would also spend countless days at Gilgal planting and cultivating flowers outside of the church. Wherever there was a need – she tried to fill it.

No one who ever met Myrtle Jones will ever forget her. She never met a stranger. Myrtle was a friend to all and leaves a heritage of faithfulness passed on through a Godly life. Her life was a stirring testament to God’s sustaining grace. Her greatest hope was that others would see Jesus in her and come to know Him. “Well done good and faithful servant.” Myrtle is now home with Jesus.

As a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, the memories of Myrtle Jones will stay with us forever.

The family invites you to join us as we celebrate the life of Myrtle Jones on Friday December 22, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Gilgal Baptist Church, 3000 Bear Creek Rd. E, Duncanville, AL. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Rev. Bart Latner will officiate with burial to follow in Memory Hill Gardens, 2200 Skyland Blvd East, Tuscaloosa, AL.

Pallbearers are Gerald Allen, Terry Colburn, Ed Cook, Jeremy Jones, Andy Keith, Kenny Sullivan.

Honorary Pallbearers are Martha Applegate, Glenda Colburn, Connie Howard, Fran Johns, Jo Russell, Gayle Skelton, Lib Sullivan, Sara Taylor, Elaine Williams, Springville High School Class of 1961, members of Gilgal Baptist Church, neighbors of East Lake, the amazing staff of Hospice of West Alabama and special friend and caregiver Annette Prince.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in the form of a contribution to Gilgal Baptist Church - Landscape Fund - 3000 Bear Creek Rd E, Duncanville, AL 35456 or by making a donation to your favorite charity in her name.

Written by Bob Jones