Gladys L. Jones, 75, was welcomed into the loving embrace of Jesus Christ on January 28, 2017. She was surrounded by family and friends in her final days and passed peacefully at home. Gladys was born and raised in Laurens, SC, but spent most of her adult life with her husband and children in Henderson and Raleigh, NC.

Gladys was a loving and generous mother, sister, and friend. For many years she worked as a fashion stylist/consultant at Folderol’s, an upscale clothing boutique in Henderson. Gladys was also an avid gardener who could often be seen tending to her beautiful garden. Neighbors came to her for gardening advice and would often ask her to watch over their plants when they were out-of-town.

She, along with her husband Joe, were for many years active members of the First Church of the Nazarene of Henderson. At one point, Gladys even served as the president of the church’s Missionary Society.

When Joe retired after 30+ years working for Purolator, he heeded the Lord’s call to serve as pastor of what was then a tiny, struggling rural church: Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church of Henderson. Gladys knew the burdens of being a minister can be heavy. But, because she so loved and trusted her husband and because she shared in his desire to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, she put her faith and trust in the Lord to guide them in their ministry.

Together, they worked to build and grow a vibrant church community that was based on the belief that everyone deserves to know the unconditional Love of Jesus Christ. Today when Mt. Carmel parishioners speak of the time when Joe served as their minister, they often refer to “Joe and Gladys” as if they were one person.

Gladys is preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Oliver “Joe” Jones; her parents, Sara C. Davis and Thomas W. Lynch; and siblings, Sarah “Sally” Jones and Robert Davis, Jr

Gladys is survived by her daughter, Connie Burkhalter, of Rockingham, NC; her son, Kendall Jones (John) of Raleigh, NC; her grandchildren, Lance Knight and Valerie George (Joseph) both of Laurens, SC and her great-grandchildren: Kamryn, Peyton, Danica and Taylor. She is also survived by her brothers Thomas Lynch (Lucie) of Destin, FL and Michael Davis of Summerville, SC; and sister, Lynda Kitchens (Kelly) of VA.

A visitation with Gladys’ family will be held at the Home of Gladys Jones in Raleigh on Tuesday, January 31st from 4 PM to 7 PM. A memorial service and celebration of Gladys’ life will be held at Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church in Henderson on Wednesday, February 1st, at 4 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions be made in Gladys’ honor to the Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church of Henderson.