Ethel Wood Jones

Ethel Wood Jones passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by family, on August 9, 2026, just 33 days shy of her 100th birthday. Born in Macon, Georgia, on September 11, 1926, Ethel was the only daughter of the late Ethel Helen Chambliss Wood and Thomas Dawson Wood, Sr., and was a lifelong resident of Macon.

Ethel lived a long and wonderful life in the Bloomfield community, marked by dedication to her family, church, and work, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and unconditional love.

Ethel was married to her beloved husband, Roy Avery Jones, Sr., with whom she shared 68 years of marriage until his passing. In addition to her parents and husband, Ethel was also preceded in death by her two brothers, Tommy Wood and Davis Wood.

Ethel was a graduate of A.L. Miller Senior High School in Macon and later began her working career at First National Bank. After having her first child, Lindy, she quit her job to stay home and raise her family. When her youngest child, Rambo, started school, she went back to work as an apartment manager for Jack Grant Realty at Williamson Terrace and later at Colony West Apartments. Ethel was the first administrator at Magnolia Manor of Macon, where she was dearly loved by the residents, until her retirement in the early ’90s. Ethel enjoyed working and staying busy, so she did not stay retired for long. As a favor, she stepped back into the workforce and became the manager of Vineville North Apartments.

Ethel, along with her husband, Roy, were charter members of Bloomfield United Methodist Church, where they faithfully attended and served until the church eventually closed its doors. She was a talented pianist and used her talents to play the piano not only at her church but at other churches in Bloomfield as well. She also enjoyed participating in the handbell choir. Eventually, Ethel found another church home at United Community Church, where she became a member and attended until her recent health decline.

Whether you knew her as Mrs. Jones, Mama, Granny, Nanny, Jones, or simply Ethel, she will be remembered for her quiet strength, her servant’s heart, her quick wit and humor, and the love she gave so freely to all who crossed her path in life. Her positive spirit and sparkling personality were always present, even into her final days. She believed in lifting others up, celebrating their joys, and standing beside them in difficult times. Her influence reached far beyond home or work and into the hearts of all who knew her.

Ethel is survived by three daughters, Lindy Peacock, Nancy Launius (George), and Jeannie Rowntree (David), and a son, Roy “Rambo” Jones, Jr. (Donna); her cherished grandchildren, Jennifer Deaton (Randall), Jamie Peacock, Tori Peacock McNeese (Chase), Lindsay Launius (Kenny Mobley), Michael Launius (Lauren), John Launius (Katherine), Tara Jones (Jonathan), and Kristen Jones Cheek (Tommy), and a large number of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, either in family or in her heart.

She had a special love for her only living sister-in-law, Katherine Wood Henry, and her honorary grandchild, LaShawn Olson. Other family members include five nieces, four nephews, and extended family. Family, especially the little ones, added immense joy to Ethel’s life, especially in her later years.

It has been said that the true measure of a person’s life is found in the memories they leave behind and the lives they touch. By that measure, Ethel lived an extraordinary life as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, neighbor, and friend.

The family would like to offer their sincere appreciation to all the wonderful sitters, caretakers, and nurses who helped keep Mrs. Jones company and keep her comfortable, especially during the final few weeks. Ethel appreciated and loved all of her caregivers, but her most faithful companion was her dog, Sid. Sid was always by her side, simply resting and watching over her. We know Sid felt her love, and she felt his as well.

A special thank you also goes to the nurses, chaplain, and staff of Eternal Faith Hospice for their amazing care and kindness.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 16, at 1:00 p.m. at Snow’s at Macon Memorial Park, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel. Pastor Cory Maurer, Chaplain Brad Blackmon, and Rev, Bobby Hamlin officiating. With burial immediately following in Macon Memorial Park Cemetery.

For those who wish, donations in Ethel’s memory can be made to Gideons International Bibb South Camp at P.O.Box 20493, Macon, Georgia 31205-0493 or United Community Church at 2411 Heath Road, Macon, Georgia 31206. Note: A correction was made to the PO Box for the Gideon's International.

Snow's @ Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.