Obituary of Joan S. Jones

Joan Jo Jones (nee Sharbak), age 77 years, of Pitman, NJ died on June 14 at Underwood Mem. Hospital. Born in Hammond, IN, she always wanted to be a school teacher. Joan graduated from Ball State Univ. in 1953 and taught 3rd grade in Lafayette, IN until 1959. In, 1958, she married Willard Jones and moved to Pitman in 1959. She taught 4th grade in Mantua for one year. She and her two sons discovered a wonderful place Lake Kandle and it became their second home during the summer. Joan became very involved in the First Presbyterian Church of Pitman, as a leader of the Youth Fellowship until the 1980s. She received a plaque for her outstanding leadership in 1981, but her reward was the appreciation of the many youth she taught. There was skiing in the winter, Ocean City in the summer and everyones favorite camping retreat, Belleplain State Forest. Joan made sure that all the activities had a spiritual quality that promoted shared values and respect for one another. She truly was, one in a million, and will be missed by many people. Survived by her husband of 49 years, Willard J. Jones, sons Russell Owen (Angela) of Brooklyn, NY and Thomas Evan (Andrea) of Brooklawn, NJ, grandchildren Zachary, Kyle, Seth, Jocelyn, Reed, and Derek. Also survived by her sisters Irene Soley, Ellen Sharbak, and Mary Madrzyk. Predeceased by her brother. Friends may call on Wednesday after 7 PM and Thursday after 10 AM in the KELLEY FUNERAL HOME, 125 Pitman Ave., Pitman, NJ. Funeral service at 11 AM. Interment Glouc. Co. Veterans Cemetery. Those desiring may make contributions to the American Diabetes Assn., Southern NJ Office, 1060 N. Kings Highway, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034. Memorials may be shared at www.kelleyfhpitman.com.