July 16, 2021, 84, Jason –

Olive Grady Jones walked through Heaven’s gates on Friday, July 16, 2021. She was born in Duplin County on June 18, 1937, to the late John Thomas Grady and Nell Chambers Grady. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by the love of her life, Lonnie McCoy Jones; son, Michael Allen Jones; infant daughter, Barbara Jean Jones; granddaughter, Kellie Marie Jones; and seven siblings.

Though Olive was tiny in stature, she was strong in faith. Her relationship with her Savior was paramount in her life. She worked the earth side by side with her husband and their children. She rose early in the mornings to prepare breakfast and the dinner meal before the others were awake, returning to the kitchen at noon to heat up dinner for all the family. Her time was spent in the field or in the garden where she harvested the fruits and vegetables that fed her growing family.

Olive’s cooking utensils were only extensions of her hands. Cooking was second nature to her, and there wasn’t a meal that wasn’t “the best” version of itself. She cooked for what seemed to be an army, never leaving friends and family out of the invitation for a good meal. Food was never wasted and the fresh vegetables from the garden were canned or given away.

With a talent for so many things, Olive loved to bless others with hand-sewn quilts and colorful crocheted items. Her items were often donated for church auctions and sold at a high bid for the beautiful work of her hands. Of all the things she excelled at, however, being wife, mama, and grandma was the best.

Olive married Lonnie at only 16 years old and the two remained faithful, dedicated, and in love for 65 years. Her priority in life was to take care of her children and grandchildren, but always putting Lonnie first. She remained his caregiver until the end.

A service of love and remembrance will be held by the graveside at Fairview Cemetery on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at 11 a.m. The family will greet friends at the cemetery, immediately following the service.

Olive is survived by her children, Patricia Skinner and husband, Weylin, Ronnie McCoy Jones, and Thomas Wayne “Tom” Jones and wife, Lou; three grandchildren, Leigh Ann Jones, Miranda Lynn Jones, and Benjamin Wayne Jones; three great-grandchildren, Alexa McMillan, Myles Hansen, and a special baby “on the way”.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.