Barbara Jean Jones

Barbara Jean Jones, age 86, residing in Orange Park, Florida, died peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, January 10, 2025. She was dearly loved by her husband, Robert, family, friends, colleagues, and our Lord and Savior.

Born August 12, 1938 in Moultrie, Georgia, Barbara was the second of 11 children to Clifford and Nadine Hardwick. At an early age the family settled in Jacksonville, Florida and this is where Barbara grew up, attended school, met the love of her life, Robert Jones, and they married in February 1957. Barbara and Robert had 3 children and once all the children where in grade school, Barbara went back to school at the local college to pursue a career in dentistry. Upon graduation she was blessed with a decades long career as a dental assistant and other roles with a prominent Periodontist group in Jacksonville.

Barbara was strong in the faith, as a Christian she ensured her children received a Christian education and she was very active in the Church. She had a passion for service to others. In the early years as an active member of Cedar Hills Baptist Church she loved to teach and work with the young girls in Sunday School and on church outings. Barbara continued her service when her and Robert joined the First Baptist Church of Jacksonville as they were just beginning to reach out and grow. There she served for many decades in the girls’ children department. She felt strongly that it was important to give the attention and nurture the spirit of these young girls to equip them to grow and develop in the world.

Barbara had a passion for service and enjoying life. Her career with the Periodontal team spanned several decades. She felt good about the important work that she and her colleagues performed and the improvement in health they brought about for the patients they served. In addition to the community they served, the group made many trips to perform charitable work both home and abroad which gave her an opportunity to see the world from a different perspective. She had a great appreciation for the many blessings, including her own earnest and difficult work that she contributed. She travelled the world from Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, China, to South America.

Barbara enjoyed her family and was up for any adventure. She loved to spend time with her 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren whenever the opportunity presented itself. As a grandmother she would come camping with the grandchildren even if it was a primitive site with just a tent and a sleeping bag, or spend a week with the grandchildren at the lake during their summer vacation. She was always there for their special events and she very much was available to them for counsel and guidance. She was consistent in her concern and care for the extended family. She sought out opportunities to bring the family together, whether it be to celebrate her siblings’ birthdays, or to get everyone together for a family reunion or a thanksgiving celebration. She believed it was important to keep the family connected and ensure no one was left behind.

Barbara is survived by her devoted husband Robert Jones of Orange Park, Florida; her awesome children: Wayne Jones; Kim Unger (John); and Terry Jones (Laura); 5 grandchildren: Michele Jones-Elguezabal (Jose), Georgia Jones, Angela Neece (Brett), Samantha Unger, and Sabreanna Unger; 6 great grandchildren: Chris Lorenzo, Devin Elguezabal, Aidan Nicotra, Makayla Neece, Cole Neece, and Caylee Neece; 7 siblings: Sherra Googins, Katrina Ritchey, Linda Adamson (John), Ronnie Hardwick, Mickey Hardwick, Glenda Jarrett (Bob), and Sue Hardwick: and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life and service will be held at 12:30 PM on February 1, 2025 at the home of Kim & John Unger, 1842 Waterbury Lane, Fleming Island, FL 32003.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in memory of Barbara to the America Cancer Society, https://donate.cancer.org