Mrs. Ann Frances Smith Jones was born the youngest of eight children to John and Noni Finch Smith in Middlesex, North Carolina, on August 12, 1937.  At twelve, she was baptized and joined the First Baptist Church of Middlesex, North Carolina.  In 1955, Mrs. Jones graduated from Spaulding High School in Spring Hope, North Carolina. After graduation, she attended Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, North Carolina, where she earned her degree in Library Science.

In 1959, she began a long and dedicated career in education, joining the Sussex Central High School faculty as a librarian. It was during her application for that position that fate stepped in. A debonair, charismatic bachelor named Winston S. Jones introduced himself as the school's "hospitality committee" chairman.  A committee that, in truth, didn't exist.  His charm worked, and that moment led to their first date. The two were joined in matrimony in 1960 until his death in 2015.

In 1967, Ann's heart was filled with joy at the birth of her daughter, Monique Antionette "Toni" Jones Smith, the light of her life and a constant source of pride and love. Ann earned a loving son, Thomas Smith when Toni and Tommy married in 2011.

A devoted member of Wilbourne Baptist Church, she faithfully served in many roles over the years: Sunday School teacher and secretary, vacation bible school arts and crafts director, decorating committee member, financial secretary, and publisher of the church bulletin. Her dedication to the church remained steadfast until her health began to decline. After moving to Hampton to live with her loving daughter and son-in-law, Mrs. Jones attended Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple, where Dr. Jerome Barber is the Pastor.

Mrs. Jones was also deeply engaged in her community of Sussex County. As a member of the Friends of the Waverly Library, she played a role in creating the Waverly Public Library. She served as president of the Sussex County Retired Teachers Association for five years and held memberships in the National Education Association, Virginia Education Association, and Sussex County Education Association. She was a proud member of Naomi Chapter No. 123 Order of Eastern Star, PHA, and most recently, Helena Chapter No. 10 of Disputanta.

Mrs. Jones served the children of Sussex and Southampton counties for 32 years, nurturing their curiosity and instilling a love of reading. She believed deeply in the power of books, often preferring them over the fast-growing world of technology. She delighted in choosing books for children and reading to them, cherishing the simple joy of storytelling. Her license plate, "Iread2," said it all. Her hobbies also included various crafts, through which she expressed her creativity and care for others.

Because of Toni's career path, Ann became a Sports Fan and Toni's "road dog" from the CIAA Championships to the NCAA Meetings and Conventions. Ann was known throughout as Toni's mom, incidentally her email address was Tonismom@aol.com.  There she was with her bag of calligraphy pens changing brackets before computers and printers. Every Sports Information Director called her "Mom."  Softball Officials would come to the fence and ask "Where is your Mom?" When Toni began to teach at Hampton University, her students would run errands for Mrs. Jones, take her to appointments, or sit with the "Nice Lady."

Mrs. Jones came of age during changing times, allowing her to leave her mark in history. She was one of five African-American teachers who integrated Waverly Junior High School, which was met with a hog left in the library to greet her.  That didn't deter her, she was a warrior for her students, creating learning experiences such as overnight stays in Williamsburg, creating a vibrant Student Librarian Program, helping students decorate floats, Spring Dances, and Campaigns. Never was there a time when the library wasn't decorated in a theme.  This is how Toni saw how to be the Planner and advocate for her students. Most importantly, Ann Jones never met a stranger, and the world is a better place because she graced it with a Bennett Belle flair.

Ann now joins in eternal rest her husband, Winston S. Jones; her parents, John and Noni Finch Smith; her siblings: Merry S. Lucas, Margaret S. Wright, Robert Smith, Richard Smith, John S. Smith Jr., and William Smith; her devoted sisters-in-law Wilhelmina Smith, Toshiko Smith, and Sarah Smith; her brothers-in-law Cornelius Lucas, Edward "Big Sarge" Bryant and her beloved son, Antonio Winston Jones.

She is survived by her daughter, Monique Antoinette "Toni" Jones Smith (Tommy) of Hampton, Virginia, her sister Virginia Bryant of Fayetteville, North Carolina, sister-in-law Fannie F. Jones of Portsmouth, Virginia, brother-in-law Walter M. Stith of Ettrick, Virginia and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.

Public Viewing will be 10:00am - 6:00pm Friday, July 4, 2025, and the family will have visitation from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Peace Funeral Home, 237 Railroad Avenue, Waverly, Virginia.

The Family will have Visitation at 7434 Newville Road July 3-6, 2025.

Celebration of Life will be 1:00pm Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Wilborne Baptist Church, 7138 Newville Road, Waverly, Virginia.

Live Stream: https://facebook.com/events/s/celebrating-the-legacy-of-mrs-/2182513018838224/

Please keep the family uplifted in prayer.