Obituary of Olivia N. Jones

Olivia Newlin Jones, 97, died peacefully on May 29, 2011 at Appalachian Brian Estates in Boone, NC. A long-time resident of Graham and the Bethlehem Church Community of Orange County, she served for 27 years as clerk of the Selective Service Board in Alamance County. Born March 21, 1914 in Alamance County, Olivia was the daughter of Pearl Moore Newlin and Robah B. Newlin of Saxapahaw. Wife of the late Clarence P. Jones, she is survived by a son, Dr. Richard M. Jones and his wife Jackie Watson Jones of Boone; two grandsons, Andrew Paul Jones and his wife Katie Burns Jones, and Richard Nicholas Jones and wife Mindy McAllister Jones, all of Raleigh; a loving sister Lucy Newlin Bowden of Burlington; and two great grandchildren. She was blessed with numerous devoted nieces and nephews. A lifelong member of Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, Olivia was organist and choir director for 60 years, and one of the first female elders elected in Orange Presbytery. Though legally blind, she continued up to her death to practice her faith by listening to sermons and traditional hymns. She also composed poetry in the last days of her life, dictating a poem for the Senior Games in Boone. Even in declining health, she remained an avid fan of University of North Carolina athletics, listening by radio to every football and basketball game, and offering commentary on outstanding coaches and players. She was a Tar Heel. Rev. David Crow and Rev. Gary Hudson will lead her memorial service on Wednesday, June 1. The family will meet friends beginning at 1:00 as the body lies in state, with the service honoring her life to begin at 2:00. A reception for family and friends will follow the service. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, 3624 Saxapahaw Road, Mebane, NC 27302. Rich and Thompson Funeral Home and Crematory in Graham, with assistance from the Austin-Barnes Funeral Service of Boone, are providing services to Mrs.Jones'family.