Constance Gray Jones Simon "Connie" passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024, in her home in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Born in January 1933, in LaGrange, Georgia, Connie was the beloved daughter of the late George Orville Jones, Jr. and Grace Lee Curran Jones. She was preceded in death by her brother Dennis Jones.

Connie took her last breath just seven hours before the New Year, and two weeks shy of her 92nd birthday.

Connie is survived and missed by her loving husband of 68 years, John, her two children, Catherine (husband Meacham) and Philip (wife Lindsay).  She is forever remembered and loved by her six grandchildren, Arwyn, Misha, Calyx, Leah, Jackson, and Connor.

Connie's memory lives on in her three great-grandchildren, Jason, Katherine, and Caiden. She is also remembered by her sister-in-law Doris Lancaster and her nieces Deborah Jones and Jennifer Jones.

Connie grew up in LaGrange, Georgia, during the depression.  She remembered her own mother offering food to the homeless outside the backdoor of their family home, and early on felt the injustice of hunger.  Connie became a social worker to try and make the world a better place.

In fact, throughout her adult life, Connie dedicated herself to giving back to the community. She began her career as a social worker by finding homes for children in Kinston, North Carolina, and later in Wilmington, Delaware.

Connie graduated from LaGrange High School and attended Mary Baldwin College for girls for two years. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and later, in her 40s, Connie earned her Masters in Social Work from Bryn Mawr College.

After relocating to Wilmington, North Carolina, Connie and her husband John became cherished members of St. John's Episcopal Church. They sang in the choir there for over 40 years. Connie's beautiful soprano voice graced the church choir, and also lent itself to silly folk songs at the dinner table, and harmonizing with John in their many renditions of "Happy Birthday" to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

In Wilmington, North Carolina, Connie worked as a clinical social worker and counselor at the Southeastern Mental Health Center until her retirement in 2000.

Connie was instrumental in having the 17th St extension built to bypass her neighborhood and make safer streets for children.

In retirement, Connie became a dedicated docent at the newly opened Cameron Art Museum. She had a deep love for art and was always eager to showcase new exhibits to family, friends, and visitors. Connie took great pride in the museum, the artists, and their special community programs for seniors and the disabled.

Connie adored chocolate-covered cherries and big, loose T-shirts. She enjoyed swimming at her local YMCA, taking walks around the neighborhood with her husband, John, and indulging in peaceful naps and beautiful flowers. With her green thumb, she transformed her backyard into an enchanted garden, complete with a towering magnolia tree, a tinkling fountain, delicate flowers, and a sweet-smelling gardenia hedge.

Connie's life, like her garden, was filled with perfect flowers and moments, unexpected "volunteer" surprise plants, and even a few weeds. She embraced us all

Maya Angelou wrote, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Connie made everyone feel special. She was a loving, kind, and caring person.

A celebration of life will be at 2:00 PM Thursday January 9, 2025 at St. John's Episcopal Church. An interment will follow in the church memorial garden.  Pastor Eric Moulton will officiate. The family will receive friends after the service in the fellowship hall.

Shared memories and condolences can be sent to the family at www.harrellsfh.com

A service of Harrell's Funeral Home and Cremation Service.