Helen "Nan" Jones

September 28, 1929 - September 5, 2023

Helen E. Jones of Winter Park, FL, reunited with her parents and brothers in Heaven on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, just 23 days shy of her 94th birthday. Born to Harry and Hannah Chrest, Helen was born and raised in Cabin Creek, WV.

Helen played basketball for Marshall University, but ultimately earned her Bachelor’s Degree from FTU (UCF). She taught for Orange County Public Schools before following her true passion by becoming a social worker with Orange County, where she served for more than 30 years until her retirement.

Helen was an avid sports fan and would often adjust her schedule around her favorite sporting events. In addition to holding season tickets for UCF Football and UCF Basketball games, she was a zealous fan of the Orlando Magic and had been a season-ticket holder since their debut in 1989. She had many hobbies and interests, such as traveling and running races. And one particular hobby of note was tennis, a passion she shared with friends and family, even attending the Wimbledon Championship in London, England.

Helen loved giving back and serving her community. She was a generous donor to many nonprofits, such as the American Cancer Society, NAMI, the Special Olympics, and so many more. She was a dedicated and decorated volunteer with AARP for 40 years, and she lived by their motto, “To serve, not to be served.” And she loved attending community events like Oviedo’s Great Day in the Country and the annual Orlando Greek Fest.

Most of all, Helen was a loving and kind mother, sister, aunt, Nana, great-grandmother, neighbor, and friend. Helen was beloved by all who met her, a truly unique quality. She left an impact on everyone she met, and she will be dearly missed.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Harry & Hannah Chrest, and her brothers, Joseph Chrest and Hector Chrest. She is survived by her children Stephen Jones, Michael Jones, and Barbara Couillard (Michael), her grandchildren Thomas Couillard (Shannon) and Caitlin Olson (Justin), her great-grandchildren Colin & Colette Couillard, and Sawyer & Jack Olson, and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Her wishes were to be cremated without a funeral service. Her Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American Cancer Society or NAMI.