Carolyn Crystal Jones

Carolyn Gray Jones was born on April 10, 1952, to Charles and Anita Gray in the historic Richmond Heights neighborhood of Miami, Florida. She peacefully transitioned to her eternal rest on January 10, 2025, at her home in Powder Springs, Georgia. Carolyn’s formative years were rooted in the public schools of Dade County, Florida, where she displayed a love for learning and a commitment to excellence. She was a proud member of the first Girl Scouts Troop in Richmond Heights and graduated as part of the Miami Killian High School Class of 1970, where she served as a majorette in the school’s marching band. Carolyn’s passion for reading ignited a lifelong love for travel and discovery. She began her collegiate journey at Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia, and later earned her bachelor’s degree in Education from Hampton Institute. Her dedication to learning continued as she pursued and completed a master’s degree in Education. Carolyn’s professional career was devoted to education. For 30 years, she shaped the lives of countless young minds as a pre-school teacher in the Tidewater School District of Newport News, Virginia. Following her retirement, her love for books and knowledge led her to a second career as a Reference Assistant in the York County Public Library System. Carolyn’s commitment to excellence and order was evident in every endeavor, whether professional or personal. In 1991, Carolyn met the love of her life, Mel Jones, at a Virginia Union football game through a mutual friend. Their first date—a trip to Farm Fresh for snacks and drinks for a track meet—was the beginning of a beautiful love story. They were married in 1993 and spent over 30 joyful years together, sharing a life filled with faith, love, and service. Carolyn and Mel dedicated themselves to their church community, attended annual marriage retreats, and actively served in ministries that included working with the homeless and spreading the Gospel. Together, they enjoyed traveling, gardening, dining out, and nurturing their shared commitment to spreading the love of Christ. Carolyn was a woman of deep faith, and her love for the Lord and His Word guided every aspect of her life. She had a gift for encouragement, sharing uplifting messages, sermon links, and devotional pamphlets with family and friends. Her joyful exclamation of “Hallelujah” was a reflection of her unwavering gratitude and praise for God’s blessings. One of her cherished ministries was the Gideons International Ministry, through which she passionately shared the Word of God. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Anita Gray, and her beloved husband, Coach Mel Jones, who transitioned on December 4, 2024. She leaves behind a legacy of love and faith, cherished by her sister, Joy Crawford; brother, Charles Gray (Alison); daughter, Adrienne Starkey (Rory, Sr.); three grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. Carolyn’s life was a testament to faith, love, and service. She will be deeply missed but joyfully remembered by all who were blessed to know her. A memorial service will be held in her honor on January 25, 2025, at 3:00 PM at the Jones-Wynn Funeral Home  Douglas Chapel located at 2189 Midway Road, Douglasville, GA 30135. Friends and family are invited to gather and celebrate the life of a remarkable woman who touched so many hearts.