Legacy
of Love
Jeannie Jones,
the Founder of Escape
In tribute to the founder of Escape, we
honor Jeannie Jones for her legacy of love. From her wisdom and insight into
the needs of women, her desire to be a spiritual compass and her constant
pursuit of excellence, Escape was born in the Spring of 2003.
As we continue to gather each Spring for
our annual Escape, it is without Jeannie, who made the ultimate "escape" into
her heavenly inheritance on October 18, 2003, just seven months after the
birth of Escape.
As a youngster Jeannie began her journey of
faith and service at Ashland Avenue Baptist. Her beloved Aunt Regina, a woman
of faith, was an influential tributary to Jeannie's stream of life on a
personal level as well as a spiritual one. Regina brought her young niece to
Sunday school and church regularly, and there, Jeannie fell in love with Jesus
and responded to His gift of salvation.
In her teens she fell in love again; this
time with the Pastor's son, Jerry Jones and on June 24, 1972 they were
married. The two became one. They became four with the birth of daughter,
Rochelle and son, Bradley. Both Rochelle and Brad are now married, have
children of their own and are serving in full time ministry. This, in itself,
is a tremendous legacy!
Jeannie's willing heart and love for
serving others extended far beyond her own family. Everyone mattered ---
beginning with the countless number of children on her bus route, and in
Sunday school classes, vacation Bible schools and junior camps who were too
young to appreciate the extent of the labor involved in her ministry to them.
They squealed with delight at her funny characters and stories, not realizing
that the seed of God's word was being planted in their tender hearts by one
who was most concerned about their eternity.
Her service in the Awana clubs spanned more
than a decade and gave her the opportunity to lead hundreds of children in
scripture memorization as they learned to hide God's word in their hearts. She
also served as a counselor in the teen ministry, working with both Jr. High
and Sr. High teens.
Jeannie also left her mark on planning
committees, Bible study groups, prayer teams and important outreach
ministries. She was a well-loved and respected speaker at ladies meetings in
many churches where she inspired women with her music and her encouraging
message.
One of the things Jeannie loved most was
music and as she broadened her legacy, she sought areas where she could use
the vocal talent God had given her and serve in the music ministry. Many
congregations in many churches were blessed by her singing. She also conducted
choral groups and children's choirs and was an integral part of the Adult
choir at Ashland Avenue Baptist Church where her husband Jerry began pastoring
in 2000.
She truly touched so many lives over the
years. And everyone who received one of her radiant smiles got a glimpse of
the heart of Jesus.
The magnitude of her legacy is
incomprehensible! But we can be confident that she has now realized her
heart's desire.....—“I just want
to hear Him say ‘well done’ good and faithful one.”
