Miss Reba Nelle Jones passed away peacefully at age 92 surrounded by her family on December 28, 2014.
She was born on October 29, 1922 to the late Samuel Paul and Ethel Harrington Jones and grew up with her sisters, Christine J. Harris and Anne J. Wilson, in Banks County, GA. The sisters rose to local fame when they formed the Jones Sisters Trio and sang weekly for the WGGA Radio Station with announcer, Jim Hartley.
Miss Jones developed her vocal talents at Brenau College, where she studied under the famous Madam Ringo in addition to graduating with a degree in education from Piedmont College. However, teaching soon became her greatest passion, and she dedicated herself to her beloved Lula School, where she taught for nearly 50 years. During her tenure, besides teaching fifth grade and high school typing class, she played piano for graduation exercises and organized Christmas Pageants, PTA programs, and Red Cross Drives.
Her life was wrapped up in the students and the school as much as it was in her family and church, where she served as Bible school director and pianist. To say the least, she made a lasting impression on her students, many of whom have written to her, sent flowers and cards, and thanked her over the years. She was Lula School’s Teacher of the Year multiple times and represented GA public schools at teacher conferences in California and Spain. Even after her retirement, her presence was requested at multiple class reunions where she was the recipient of the Most Beloved Teacher award. At the time of her death, she was compiling a book of her educational philosophy and reflections on a half-century of teaching, which will be published this spring under the title, Old School.
In memory of her teaching legacy, a fund called the Reba Nelle Jones Scholarship for Aspiring Educators has been established. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the fund can be submitted by mail to Pay it Forward Scholarships: 615 Oak St., Suite F Gainesville, GA 30501.
She is survived by her niece, Dr. Sarah Justus, retired school administrator, author, and UMC Lay Leader; her great nephew, Sam Justus, student at University of North GA; and her great niece, Sally Justus, student at Harvard.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Miss Jones at 2:00 pm Wednesday, December 31, 2014, at Hickory Flat United Methodist Church with Rev. Drewery Loggins, Pastor Elizabeth Welborn, Rev. Jerry Cameron, and Rev. Melvin Baugh officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2-4 & 6-8 pm on Tuesday, December 30.
An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home (706/778-8668) of Cornelia is in charge of arrangements.
