Lona Faye Jones
PARADISE VALLEY – Lona Faye (Collins) Jones was born August 18th, 1935, in Newlin, Texas to Archie Collins and Nancy (Daniel) Collins. She became a Born-Again Christian and was Baptized in her youth. In the early ‘40’s, summers were spent picking peaches in Palisade, Colorado. Her mother passed away in 1949 when Lona was just 13 years old. She then took on the responsibilities of the household, and caring for her younger brothers. Lona, her father, and two brothers, moved to Allison, Texas where she attended Allison High School and met her lifelong sweetheart, Troy Jones. After graduation, in August, Troy and Lona traveled to Portales, New Mexico where they were married on her 18th birthday. Their first four years were spent in Lubbock at Texas Tech University where they had their daughter Connie, and Troy received his bachelor’s degree. Lona, now a mother and a homemaker, moved with Troy to Coleman, and then Benjamin, Texas for work. In Coleman, they had their first son, Brad. Troy’s career began with Allis Chalmers, which moved them to Memphis, Tennessee, where they had the second son, Jeff, the last of their three children. In 1965 another career opportunity moved Troy, Lona, and the three kids to Phoenix, Arizona. Upon arriving in the Valley, the family joined North Phoenix Baptist Church in January 1966. Over the following years, Lona added to her roles of mother and homemaker by working at the family’s tractor company and volunteering at the Church. After Troy retired, the couple continued their volunteer activities and entrepreneurial investments. They traveled the Country, the Caribbean, Europe, and parts of Asia. Lona was known as Nana to her grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She spent many summers with each of them going to Washington DC, Theme parks, and the Ranch in Texas. She was well loved by all and will be greatly missed. Through all of her accomplishments, the glory of her life was her humble and faithful service to God. After 88 years of life on earth, Lona stepped into Eternal Life with the Lord on Saturday, February 3rd, 2024, reuniting with her husband of 68 years, Troy, her Parents, and her Brother Sam. Lona is survived by her children Connie (and Rick) Carpenter, Brad (and Tina) Jones, Jeff (and Tanya) Jones; her eight grandchildren, and (currently) nine great grandchildren; and her youngest brother Butch (and Linda) Collins.
Celebration of Life: Saturday February 24th, 2024, North Phoenix Baptist Church, in the Chapel 5757 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012.10:00 AM viewing with a 11:00 AM service and a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: First Southern Baptist Church of Glendale 10250 N 59th Ave Glendale, AZ 85302.The Gideons International P.O. Box 140800 Nashville, Tennessee 37214-0800. Please visit www. hansenmortuary.com to make online condolences.