Pernell Jones

Pernell Marie Nelson Jones, 93, of Valdosta, died on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at her daughters home. She was born on November 16, 1929 to the late Oscar & Ida Hovland Nelson in Perley MN. Pernell grew up on the family farm in Georgetown MN, the youngest of 8 siblings. She graduated from Minnesota State University in Moorhead MN with a degree in Education. She continued to pursue her education at Long Beach State University in California and then received her Masters of Education at Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville. She taught school in Minnesota for 4 years before her adventurous spirit took her to Long Beach in Southern California. There she met the love of her life Charles W. Jones, and they were married on November 9, 1957. They spent the next 20 years traveling the world during his U.S. Airforce career. Pernell continued her teaching career in Department of Defense schools during this time. In 1972 the Jones family moved to Warner Robins and there they retired from the Air Force and Pernell put down roots. She loved traveling and continued until her health prevented further trips. She visited her family in Minnesota ever year and never got that farm out of her heart. In the early 2000’s she moved to Valdosta to be closer to family and watch her grandchildren grow. While here she was active in the Holy Garden Club and Messiah Lutheran Church. Pernell loved the ladies’ group at church and never missed a meeting.

Survivors include her daughter and son in law, Alison & David Sumner of Valdosta; two grandchildren and their spouses, Meridith & J. Brent Allen of Jacksonville and Morgan & Matthews Barnett of Macon. Also surviving are two great grandchildren, Claire and Colyer Allen of Jacksonville and a sister in law, Dorothy B. Nelson of Moorhead, MN; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Charles W. Jones, three sisters, Nora Nelson, Alice Erickson, Loraine Potratz and four brothers, Norman Nelson, Arthur Nelson, James Nelson and Oscar Nelson. The family would like to thank a special caregiver Mae Koonce, a very special friend Karen Boles and Hospice of South Georgia for all their care and support during this time.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at Messiah Lutheran Church. Reverend Dr. Richard Lohmeyer will officiate. The committal of the urn will follow at a later time at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday from 1 pm until service time. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Hospice of South Georgia or Messiah Lutheran Church. Condolences may be conveyed to the family on the obituary page of www.mclanecares.com Carson McLane Funeral Home