Jones, Nancy Bernice Hayes (Mrs. Russell, Sr)
1/1/1994
| Nancy Bernice Hayes Jones was born February 2, 1943, to Rev. L’David Hayes and the late Mrs. Catherine Hayes as one of six siblings who enjoyed a richly familial and developmental life in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Nancy was educated in the public schools of Calcasieu Parish, graduated from Grambling State University with a B.S. in Elementary Education, and earned the Master of Arts degree from Xavier University of New Orleans. Nancy loved children and was dedicated to the education of children in the St. Mary and Orleans Parish School Systems. While teaching at the Sager-Brown School located in Baldwin, Louisiana, she met and married Russell L. Jones. They established a temporary home in Atlanta, GA and cultivated integral life-long relationships with other young couples preparing for service in the ministry at Gammon Theological Seminary. Upon returning to Louisiana, they served St. Matthews and Haven United Methodist Churches as the pastoral family receiving the affectionate undergirding of both congregations. The family was then enhanced by the blessing of a son, Russell, Jr. Delicately, Nancy sought to balance responsibilities as a faithful wife, devoted mother, and a teacher of exceptional children as she ardently struggled with an escalating illness. She was a gracious supporter of the church with presence in the Adult Fellowship and Sanctuary choirs, Ushers, United Methodist Women, and Parsonettes. Nancy enkindled herself in reciprocal relationships with her many friends and colleagues. She supported the Kidney Foundations, Federation of the Blind and varied civic fellowships with her membership. She shared her compassion frequently with fellow sojourners who were sick and shut-in. Having enjoyed traveling with her close-knit family in her early life, she continued that pleasure with us and now has traveled ahead of us. She is preceded in life’s final transition by her Savior Jesus Christ, her mother, and three brothers, namely, L’David, Jr., Michael, and Terrell. She is loved, honored, and treasured by her husband, Russell, Sr., and son, Russell Jr.; brothers Benjamin and Ronald; sister-in-law Catherine (Mrs. Benjamin) Hayes and Brenda (Mrs. William) Jones; brother-in-law Rev. William L. Jones; Aunts Nancy Jolivette, Elosia Wells, Azalea Watson, Alverta Hayes, Ninetta Hayes, Louisiana Lanier; God-Children Benjamin D. Hayes Jr., and Alphonsine Crump; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and gracious friends. We celebrate her spiritual wherewithal, fighting spirit and the grace God has bestowed upon her as His child. |
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| Source: Journal Louisiana Conference 1994, p. 253 By Rev. Kenneth M. Fisher | |
