Mrs. Leona Williams Jones, age 85, passed away peacefully September 28, 2021, at Accordius Health in Winston-Salem, NC. She was born January 30, 1936, in Huntsville, Alabama to Roy and Annie Bell Williams, who have preceded her in death. As well, two brothers, Charles and Bob Mack and one sister, Berta Mae, preceded her in death.

Leona attended public schools in Huntsville, AL and, upon graduating from high school, attended A&M University in Huntsville, Alabama to study Business Administration.

Leona met and married Walter Woods, Jr., a Navy Veteran, and bore four children: Darlene Ann Smith, Winston-Salem, NC; Doris Camilla Woods-Carter (Phillip), Winston-Salem, NC; Dr. Debra L. Morehead, Atlanta, GA; and, Pamela Renee Parks, Greensboro, NC. Leona later met and married Dan E. Jones, Jr., whose four children (Danise, Dan, III, Deborah, Diane) re-located from Huntsville, AL and joined them in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.  Both Walter and Dan precede Leona in death.

Leona worked alongside her husband Dan, who was an accomplished Chef, for several years before carving out her own niche in life.  Leona, having become very fluent in French, began teaching French and English courses as a substitute teacher at public schools in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.  Deciding to begin working full-time, and with the encouragement of a neighbor, Leona accepted a position at Fairchild Industries in Winston-Salem where she eventually retired after 20+ years of service due to the progressively failing health of her husband Dan.

In ~1975, a co-worker, Mrs. Vina Johnson, invited Leona to attend a church service at Ambassadors for Christ Cathedral in Winston-Salem. Leona attended the service and, the following Sunday, joined the ministry.  Leona accepted Christ and was a faithful member for 40+ years. During the peak of her declining years in ~2018, Leona began attending Upper Room Churches of Christ Apostolic to continue her spiritual journey.

Leona was a loving and giving person who all her neighbors loved and respected. Everyone knew Mrs. Jones; and, Mrs. Jones knew everybody.  She would oftentimes go out of her way to get to know people…even if it meant inviting them over for a meal or conversation. She became an advocate for change whenever a neighbor was having problems with their children or grandchildren. Leona's methods used in interacting with people were consistent and spiritually grounded, thus, creating a basis for trust, friendship, and long-term respect.

Leona was a pillar, a beacon, an advocate, and a spiritual guide for many in her community. Her very presence provided hope for many young men, women, and elderly in the community.  She often talked to them about structure and the importance of education and attending church.  Just hearing the individual conversations were a testament to the life Leona lived and the testimony she left behind.  She would often be heard saying, "Only what you do for Christ will last."

Leona leaves to mourn two brothers Paul E. Williams (Gwendolyn), Harvest, AL, Chester Adams (Marian), Huntsville, AL; and, one sister Edith A. Donaldson, Huntsville, AL.  As well, the aforementioned children born of Walter Woods, Jr. and Leona are left to mourn. There are also a host of step-children, grand-children, great-grandchildren, nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great-nephews, cousins, church family, and a spiritual friend (Mrs. Queen Wright).  We would be remiss to not mention her adopted spiritual daughter Deborah Littlejohn Hale, who constantly reminded us girls that, she was the oldest and the prettiest.

To sum, Mrs. Leona Williams Jones was a scholar, wife, mother, educator/professional, Christian, community leader, and friend.  Those attributes, I feel, are the seven attributes of a person who lived a full life.

On behalf of the family, thank all of you who came out to contribute to the homegoing celebration of our mother.  Thank those who sent cards, flowers, and condolences.  God Bless.

The family will receive friends 12:30pm Friday, Oct. 8, 2021 in the Hooper Funeral Home chapel with the funeral service following at 1pm.