Dare Jones

Dare Jones, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, cousin, friend, and faithful servant of God, passed away peacefully at the age of 86 after a brief illness. She leaves behind a family who loved her deeply, friends who treasured her companionship, and a world made brighter by her kindness, joy, and unwavering love.

Born and raised on a small farm in northeastern North Carolina, Dare's life spanned an era of extraordinary change. She often joked that when asked to name the most important technological advancement of her lifetime, she couldn't decide between indoor plumbing and air conditioning. Growing up in a home without running water gave her a unique perspective and a deep appreciation for life's simple blessings, including countless joys with her Johnson and Joyner cousins. That perspective remained with her throughout her life, shaping the gratitude, resilience, and good humor for which she was known.

In 1961, Dare married the love of her life, Kelvin Jones and soon embarked on an adventure she never could have imagined as a young farm girl. Just weeks after their wedding in Murfreesboro, North Carolina, the couple moved to San Diego while her husband completed Navy training before relocating to Japan. Though she often described those years as both the happiest and saddest of her life, homesick yet full of discovery, they became some of the most meaningful years she ever experienced. There she met Carolyn Davis, who would remain her closest friend for the rest of her life. Together with their husbands, George and Dare's husband, they navigated the challenges and joys of young adulthood, marriage, and raising their first children far from home.

Dare devoted herself to her family and took immense pride in raising her three children: Greg, Beth, and Andee. She was a loving mother whose children always knew they could turn to her for comfort, encouragement, wisdom, or simply a listening ear.

Her son Greg was her constant companion and faithful helper, always ready to answer "Yes, Mom" whenever she needed him. Beth held a special place in her heart, and Dare delighted in watching her family grow through her granddaughter Dani and great-granddaughter Paris. Becoming a great-grandmother to Paris brought her tremendous joy.

For most of her children's early years, Dare dedicated herself to caring for her family and serving her church. A faithful Baptist, she and her husband ensured their children were part of everything church life had to offer, from Sunday worship to choir rehearsals and youth activities. She taught children’s Sunday School for many decades, steeping her in memory verses, arts and crafts, and laughter. Her faith was evident not only in where she worshiped but in how she cared for others every day.

In 1977, Dare began a new chapter working as a teacher's aide and paraprofessional at Morris Avenue Elementary School and later Enterprise Learning Academy. Generations of children benefited from her patience and kindness. She tied countless shoelaces, helped students on and off buses, worked in the cafeteria, offered encouragement when it was needed most, and brightened every room with her smile. Whether helping children learn or simply helping them feel seen and cared for, she quietly made the world a better place.

In addition to family, work, and church, Dare played tennis and softball. Her friend group includes school friends who became tennis friends and softball friends who became church friends. All the strong women who support each other, laughed and played together.

Following retirement, Dare and Kelvin enjoyed many happy years together, traveling and sharing a life built on love and partnership. When he passed away in 2012, her family worried about how she would navigate such a profound loss. Instead, Dare chose to keep living fully, embracing new adventures and creating treasured memories with family and friends.

She especially enjoyed her many excursions with her lifelong friend Carolyn. Together they perfected what Dare considered the ideal day at Epcot: a walk to the American Pavilion, a shared cheeseburger platter, music, a funnel cake carried home for later, and the joy of spending time together. The pair also embarked on a memorable cross-country road trip, visiting friends, seeing the Grand Canyon, and creating stories that would be shared for years to come.

Dare also continued exploring the world with her family. She enjoyed cruises with her children and grandchildren, sailed to Alaska with loved ones, drove a boat in the Florida Keys, and even went snorkeling. Her adventurous spirit never faded, proving that age was never a barrier to trying something new.

In recent months, Dare lived with her daughter, Andee and daughter-in-law, Kim, who were honored to care for her during her final illness. Their time together was filled with love, laughter, and cherished routines, including special "Mother-in-Law Mondays" when Dare and Kim would head out for walks, shopping trips, and new adventures. Among her favorites was a memorable visit to Buc-ee's, a place she enthusiastically added to her long list of experiences.

To know Dare was to know kindness. To love Dare was to feel accepted, encouraged, and cared for. She celebrated others without hesitation, listened without judgment, and gave of herself generously. Her family knew they could call her in moments of happiness or sorrow and always find a loving heart waiting on the other end.

She will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, church family, dear friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Though her absence leaves an immeasurable void, her legacy lives on through countless acts of love, laughter, faith, service, and adventure.

Dare Jones leaves behind a lifetime of good memories and a profound example of how to live with gratitude, grace, and joy. The world is a better place because she was in it.

Visitation will be held at Hardage-Giddens Rivermead Funeral Home, 127 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL 32073, US, on August 21, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Hardage-Giddens Rivermead Funeral Home, 127 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL 32073, US, on August 22, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A Committal Service will be held at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218, US, on August 24, 2026, from 9:00 am to 9:30 am.