Josephine Gaither Jones

Josephine Gaither "Jo" Jones, 84, died Tuesday, February 3, 2015. She was preceded in death by her parents, William Hayes Gaither, and Louise Huffines Gaither. Jo was born December 30, 1930, in Elizabeth City and grew up in Charlotte, NC. She was educated at St. Mary's College and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She was a member of the Valkyries, Chi Omega Sorority, and the Order of the Old Well. She lived most of her adult life on the quiet banks of the Indian River in Chesapeake, Virginia, where she raised her family surrounded by caring neighbors. Her home and her family were her focus. She was the proud author of Amanda's Tree, That Hardhead Cinnamon, and A Friend in the Kitchen. She spent her final years in the care of Westminster Canterbury in Virginia Beach. She worshiped at Christ and St. Luke's Episcopal Church for over 50 years. Her life of love, forgiveness, generosity, perseverance, and thankfulness flowed from her faith in God. In every sphere of life, she made many friends, whom she cherished. She was a longtime member of the Happy Times Book Club and Lois Martin Strode's Serendipity Book Club in Norfolk. Surviving are her son, Robert W. Jones, Jr., and his wife, Kristin, of Virginia Beach, her daughter, Amanda Jones Chambers, and her husband, David, of Raleigh, and her grandchildren, Sarah, Robert and Gregory Jones, and David and Luke Chambers. She is also survived by her sister, Carolyn Gaither Weeks, of Rocky Mount, NC, and by her well-loved nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Sunday at 3:00 p.m. in Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Hertford led by The Very Reverend John Bonner and Pastor Stephen Weeks. On Wednesday, February 11th at 11:00 a.m., The Reverend Canon Win Lewis will lead a Celebration of Life Service in Christ and St. Luke's, at 560 W. Olney Road in Norfolk, VA 23507. Miller & Van Essendelft, Funeral and Cremation Providers, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, NC, is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Memorial Fund of Christ and St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Norfolk. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.