Cara Virginia Williams Jones

Cara Virginia Williams Jones, 88, of Tiptonville, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother and owner of the Lake County Banner, died Sunday, July 3, 2011, at Methodist LeBonheur Germantown Hospital in Memphis. As a mother, she left a legacy of honor, integrity, and a love for helping others. As a newspaper woman, some of her jobs included society editor, proofreader, and bookkeeping.

She was born in Nevada, Mo., on April 19, 1923, to the late Arthur W. Williams of St. Louis, Mo., (who preceded her in death in July 1956), and Gladys Atherton Williams of Nevada, Mo., (who preceded her in death July 23, 1985). She lived in Nevada from 1923 through 1925, then moved to Johnson City, Tenn., until 1932. From there, she lived in Tallahassee, Jacksonville Beach, and St. Petersburg, Fla., (1932-1933); she moved back to Nevada from 1933-1946; Lawrence, Kan., and finally, in January of 1950, she moved to Tiptonville. She graduated from Nevada High School in 1941, and Cottey College in Nevada in 1943. She also attended Kansas University in Lawrence, Kan. She was selected and honored to attend the first ever Missouri Girls State in 1940. She was a Deputy County Court Clerk in Vernon County from 1943-1946, and was a University of Kansas Press Secretary to Insurance Adjuster Lloyd L. Gains of the Commercial Union Group from 1947-1949. Other previous employment included working at the Cottey College Library and for Archer and Archer Architect-Engineers/Camp Clark POW Camp during rebuilding.

She married Richard S. Jones of Sheldon, Mo., on Sept. 1, 1946, at Centenary Methodist Church in Nevada, with the Rev. Vernon W. Becker officiating. Her husband of 52 years preceded her in death in1997.Some of her many accomplishments include being Lake County Citizen of the Year 1995-1996, a certified Red Cross Nurse's Aide during World War II, serving in the Nevada City Hospital, a member of the First United Methodist Administrative Board, Nursery Department for 12 years, taught Sunday school in both Nevada and Tiptonville, was organist for the evening services at Centenary Methodist Church in Nevada, and sang in church choirs in both Nevada and Tiptonville. She also participated in the Girl Scouts from childhood and then became a beloved leader for many years as an adult. She was a charter member of the Tiptonville Wesleyan Service Guild and later the United Methodist Women, charter member of the Lake County BPW, an early member of the Lake County American Legion Auxiliary, and a member of the Lake County Historical Society.

She leaves two daughters, Sharon Beth Jones Hutchison and husband, Stephen, and Nancy Jane Jones Blake and husband, C.W. (Chuck), of Germantown; a son, Evan Storrs Jones and wife, Judy, of Tiptonville; five grandchildren, Jeremy Jones, Katie Jones, both of Tiptonville, Catherine Childs of Memphis, Casey Childs and Richard Evan Swift, both of Nashville; two bonus-grandchildren, Wilson Blake of Germantown and Leigh Hutchison Adams of Austin, Texas; three great-granddaughters, Lexi Jones and Khloe Ramsey, both of Tiptonville, and Elizabeth Blake of Germantown; a stepgreat-granddaughter, Hannah Walley of Tiptonville; and two brothers, Larry A. Williams of Lexington, Neb., and Jerry G. Williams of Mesa, Ariz.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Laurel Elaine Jones Childs (2009); three brothers, Jack A. Williams (1996), Dr. Evan R. Williams (1998), and James E. Williams (1965); and a sister, Charlotte Williams Richardson (1986).

Services will be at 11 a.m., Friday, at First United Methodist Church in Tiptonville with the Rev. Marita Burkeen officiating. Burial will be in Tiptonville City Cemetery. Dyersburg Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

The family will receive visitors from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, at the church.

Memorials may be directed to First United Methodist Church, 536 Church Street, Tiptonville, TN 38079.