Lucy 'Precious' Jones

Lucy Ayton Jones, an immigrant from Jamaica, W.I., planted spiritual seeds of hope in the hearts of the desolate. Even though she was told by experts that certain species of plants could not grow in the environmental climate she lived in, with faith, she toiled in her garden planting, nurturing, and growing some of the most vibrantly beautiful and rare plants anyone has ever seen. Lucy would invite naysayers over and affectionately say, “Come over and see what God and I have done.” She used her garden as a virtual class room to teach others life lessons, imaginable and unimaginable human conditions. One story she often told was about two trees that were planted side by side; she described them as husband and wife. She told a love story about how they were brought together and the many storms they weathered. She said of this particular species, anything that happens to one, will affect the other as well. She elaborated, if you move one away from the other to re-plant in another location, the other will wither and die. During childhood, Lucy dreamt of becoming a missionary in the foreign fields on the continent of Africa. However, God had other plans for her. God saw the qualities of what every Mother wants for their son; the virtues of a Proverb 31 Woman. He brought Lucy together with Raymond Curtis Jones in holy matrimony as a life partner, and by the time of his death, she had led her husband to Christ. A strong woman of character, Lucy served as a perfect example to her children and so many others she embraced, as Christ served as an example to her. One of her spiritual children commented, “I will miss those conversations I had with Mom Lucy about life. She served as an inspiration to me and motivated me to be the best at whatever I did and I will hold those moments in time in my heart.” Another said, “Me contagio su espirito caritativo y afectuaso, ella estara por siempre en mi Corazon.” (Her loving ways and giving spirit was contagious and she will be in my heart always and forever). Regardless of their place in life, age, race, religion, or region of the world, Lucy planted spiritual seeds in the hearts of all she encountered. With an unapologetic approach and accepting no excuse for living an unrighteous life, she boldly spread the word of God. Beloved Lucy Ayton Jones, age 82, passed away August 3, 2010 at the Isabelle Ridgeway Care Center in Columbus, Ohio. She was a faithful member of The Church of Christ of the Apostolic Faith, a respected business woman, and a devoted wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Lucy was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Curtis Jones, Sr., her mother Lillian Beckford, her stepfather Arnett Beckford, her father Eustace Ayton, and her stepsister Sandra Bosley. Her fond memory is cherished by all left behind, including her stepsister Mayfis Beckford and six children - Lucita R. (spouse-Robert) Ferris, Ray A. Jones, Sr., Dellon E. Reighard, Albert B. (spouse – Lylah) Jones, stepson Raymond C. (spouse – Deborah) Jones, Jr., and stepdaughter Raymina Black. Lucy will lovingly be remembered by her eleven grandchildren - Shamitha (spouse-John) Francis, Meshach (spouse-Yao) Ferris, Desiree Jones, Ray A. Jones, Jr., Rachel Jones, Delliyano Black, Jerry (spouse-Keisha) Black Jr., Dominique (spouse – Brian) Brooks, Degael (spouse-Rebecca) Reighard, Derek Reighard, and Sarah Jones. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren - Kimani, Kerry and Isabella Black, Ceylone Reighard, Alice Reighard, and Clifton Jefferson.