My mother, Joanne, was a light in this world. She had a way of making everyone feel cared for—whether it was through a warm meal, a gentle hug, or just her presence. She was always giving, always making sure people were fed and looked after. That was just who she was.

She was my best friend. A mentor. We shared so much—our laughs, our stories, and even our challenges. Living with Usher Syndrome alongside Aunt Thelma, we understood each other in ways that only we could. That connection was deep, and it meant everything to me.

We sang to each other often. Music was one of our ways of staying close, even when words were hard to find. The song we always came back to was “You Are My Sunshine.” It was our song. And when the time came, when she was ready to let go, I held her hand—just like she asked me to—and I sang that song to her as she took her last breaths. I didn’t let go. I kept my promise.

Even as dementia started to take pieces of her memory, she never lost her joy. She would laugh and smile, even if she wasn’t sure what was going on. Her sense of humor was silly and sweet, and it lit up every room she entered. She brought happiness with her, just by being herself.

She was an amazing mother. She gave so much of herself to our family, and she did it with love. She really was a ray of sunshine to all of us.

I miss her deeply. But I carry her with me—in every song, every laugh, every moment of kindness. She’ll always be my sunshine.

Mom made a home a home.  Her hands and arms were the rooms and walls that wrapped you in a loving embrace.  She made blankets and food.  She prepared the floor to always be clean so you can take your shoes off, relax and eat powdered donuts with her.  

Her hello's and her goodbye's were riddled with dances and humming.  Cheek to cheek, hand in hand, and of course kisses and never just one. 

She rewarded you with laughter and smiles.  Little pats on your hand and nods of her head.  She only asked a few favors in return.  Stay a while.  Eat more.  Answer questions.

When you were with her, you belonged with her.  There was no other place you must be, time stood still and love took over.  She took you in as you were.  In your sorrow, your exhaustion, your rush and your joy.  She absorbed it all.  She was home to me.  

I rested well knowing she was in good care.  A diamond in safe keeping.  I struggle so hard to rest now as I long for another hug, dance or the sound of her laughter.  How do I capture that in a memory that won't fade, I have no idea.  So Heaven please grant her to meet me at the gates.  I want the hug, the dance and the laughter to be the first things I experience.  I want her cheek next to mine again.  I want the gentle kiss as she says welcome home.  One last time.

Mom made a home a home.  Her hands and arms were the rooms and walls that wrapped you in a loving embrace.  She made blankets and food.  She prepared the floor to always be clean so you can take your shoes off, relax and eat powdered donuts with her.  

Her hello's and her goodbye's were riddled with dances and humming.  Cheek to cheek, hand in hand, and of course kisses and never just one. 

She rewarded you with laughter and smiles.  Little pats on your hand and nods of her head.  She only asked a few favors in return.  Stay a while.  Eat more.  Answer questions.

When you were with her, you belonged with her.  There was no other place you must be, time stood still and love took over.  She took you in as you were.  In your sorrow, your exhaustion, your rush and your joy.  She absorbed it all.  She was home to me.  

I rested well knowing she was in good care.  A diamond in safe keeping.  I struggle so hard to rest now as I long for another hug, dance or the sound of her laughter.  How do I capture that in a memory that won't fade, I have no idea.  So Heaven please grant her to meet me at the gates.  I want the hug, the dance and the laughter to be the first things I experience.  I want her cheek next to mine again.  I want the gentle kiss as she says, "Welcome Home."  One last time.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Joanne J. Jones

21 mars 1936 – 12 août 2025

Coble Funeral & Cremation Service at Greenlawn Memorial Park

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