In loving memory of

Leslie "Jill" Jones
September 26, 1961 - March 26, 2012

Leslie "Jill" Jones, 50, of Smyrna, Georgia passed away on Monday, March 26th, 2012.

We are sadden by the loss of a wonderful, loving, generous mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend.

March 26, 2012 Leslie "'Jill' Jones of Smyrna, GA made her transition from body to spirit. She is and will be missed by everyone who knew her as she touched your life when she was near. The world is a little less bright with her passing but the world is better because of her being in it. She brought joy and love with her - we will continue to be blessed by the light she has left. She is survived by her husband Larry Jones, her wonderful son, Gus Jones, brother Jack Hedrick, sister Dorothy Thompson and her mother Donna Hedrick.

There will be a "Celebration of Life' for Jill April 14 at 12:30 pm at the Unity North Church 4355 Sandy Plaines Rd. Marietta, Ga. 30066 followed by a reception at Scalini's, 2390 Cobb Parkway S.E. Smyrna, Ga 30080. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund is being set up by the family details with the account number to follow.

Please go to: Byars Funeral to post a condolence. loving thought, light a candle but most of give a hug.

Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 155 Professional Park Drive, Cumming, Georgia. (678) 455-5815.

Tributes

Larry & Evelyn Johnston wrote on Nov 11, 2016:

"Larry: We are saddened to hear of Jill's passing. We are vendors she worked with while at Scalini's and we attended your Wedding. Passing through Marietta this week and asked how Jill was doing. We loved her, and are devistated, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Larry & Evelyn Johnston"

Sam & Sandy Hamby Sr. wrote on Oct 20, 2014:

"This is the long verson with little effects."

Sam & Sandy Hamby Sr. wrote on Sep 9, 2014:

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Sam & Sandy Hamby Sr. wrote on Sep 9, 2014:

"We do so miss You Jill, but we do feel You near. May the Spirits fly with You ! Lots of Love Sam & Sandy Hamby Sr."

Sam & Sandy Hamby Sr. wrote on Sep 9, 2014:

"Jill was Always AWESOME with Children ! THANK-YOU JILL & God Speed Girl !"

Liz and Paul wrote on Mar 26, 2013:

"God bless you and your family Jill."

Sandy & Sam Hamby wrote on Mar 8, 2013:

"This is Jill trying to blow up a balloon toy for Judi Kessler's Birthday party on July 28,2007"

Sandy & Sam Hamby wrote on Mar 8, 2013:

"This is the correct one"

Sandy & Sam Hamby wrote on Mar 8, 2013:

"The date on this should be September and the other photo of this is the correct one."

Sandy & Sam Hamby wrote on Mar 8, 2013:

"Here are more photos of Jill that I found,,ENJOY Everyone !!"

Rex wrote on Oct 24, 2012:

"I just found out that Jill had passed away seven months ago. I've been calling her cell phone and leaving messages when possible. I last talked to her around the middle March. No one has contacted me to let me know of her passing. Jill is my best friend and I love and miss her very much! I have told David O'Dell this very sad news. Rex Winkels in Tennessee"

Sandy & Sam Hamby wrote on Jul 28, 2012:

"This was such a FUN evening of Good Friends,Good Food and ALOT of Socializing & DANCING !!!! We ALL miss you Jill !!!"

Donna Hedrick wrote on Jul 14, 2012:

"I miss you more than words can say my beautiful beautiful daughter. Oh how I wish you were with us still but I know you are free to fly with butterflies and float with bubbles. I will see you in my dreams. I know you are around us loving and guiding us still. Thank you, my sweet..."

Liz Bauer wrote on Jun 30, 2012:

"Going through summer planning and know August will be missing Jill. God bless."

Barbara marino Moss wrote on Jun 8, 2012:

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Sandy & Sam Hamby & Audrey wrote on May 31, 2012:

"AMEN !!!!"

Sandy & Sam Hamby Sr. wrote on May 24, 2012:

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Liz Bauer wrote on May 23, 2012:

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Gus wrote on May 6, 2012:

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Heather Place-Izurieta wrote on Apr 14, 2012:

"Just came back from Jill's "celebration of life". It was in the truest sense, an incredible celebration of her amazing life.The words everyone spoke, the beautiful music, the fond memories of Jill were all in evidence. I do believe Jill was there taking it all in and feeling humbled by the outpouring of love everyone feels for her. She will be with us always, in every butterfly, in every bubble, in every sunrise!"

Barbara Marino Moss wrote on Apr 14, 2012:

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Sandy Hamby wrote on Apr 13, 2012:

"Sorry folks for not having the video of Jill singing with the children & hula hooping up on here. I have had a problem getting the clips separated. Sandy"

Sandy Hamby wrote on Apr 13, 2012:

"Jill did love Butterflies !"

Sandy Hamby wrote on Apr 13, 2012:

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judith wrote on Apr 12, 2012:

"dearest baby girl......we are blessed & grateful we had you for 50-1/2 years.....rise to your highest & i will look for you in the sky each night....of course i will always find you because you are the brightest!!!!.......miss you forever darling....love...oxox..aunt judi...your "string"...oxo"

Kaye Tompkins Summers wrote on Apr 12, 2012:

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Michelle A Spencer wrote on Apr 11, 2012:

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Michelle A Spencer wrote on Apr 11, 2012:

"With Sympathy: I first met Jill & Gus in the restaurant "Soup Garden" that I worked @ for 20 yrs...Where every I was in Smyrna I would run into JIll & she would have a BIG smile on her face!! I will always think of her with her sunglasses on top of her head......... Michelle........... Smyrna"

Dave and Kathy Brooker wrote on Apr 10, 2012:

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Shelley Eason wrote on Apr 4, 2012:

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Shelley Eason wrote on Apr 4, 2012:

"My condolences Donna - Jill was a bright light in a drab world. God called a good one home. Her light, heart, and soul will be missed.With Love,Shelley"

Mary Ann wrote on Apr 4, 2012:

"Sweet Sweet Jill - I do I put my heart into words? How can I begin to express what your friendship has meant to me for the past 28+ years. Swinging on your front porch with a mimosa, laughing, talking, sharing, caring, learning and you teaching. The wonderful books you gave me to help me if times got hard. Sharing your wisdom so freely. Always giving. That is who you are. You will always be a Beautiful Bright Light for me. I thank our Lord God for allowing you and I to be so close, such good friends, our paths to cross. Remember when I told you that the sun rays felt like a Big Warm Hug from God? When I feel the warm rays now I also feel a Big Warm Hug from you my friend. Thank you Leslie Jill Jones for my prayer box, the memories and most of all Thank you for loving me!!! My prayers go out to Larry, Gus, your mom and the rest of your faimly. I know they are so proud of you. God Bless"

Shelley Eason wrote on Apr 4, 2012:

"Jill had a personality of life - an outgoing and warm joy that will truly be missed. I knew Jill since I was the age of 13 and was grateful that we became closer friends many years later.My condolences and heart go out to Larry & Gus - have strength in the knowledge that you had a wonderful woman to be by your side and help guide you in the short time God could stand to keep her away before calling her home.Sincerely - With Love,Shelley (Sce on fb)"

Claire wrote on Apr 3, 2012:

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Dick and Veronika Coffin wrote on Apr 3, 2012:

"Our hearts go out to all who knew and loved Jill. We send our special condolences to Donna, Larry, Gus, Jack and Dorothy, and we offer our special thanks to all who have included photos with their comments. It has been a very long time since we have seen Jill and the photos are very special to us.May the "Peace that passeth undertanding" be with all.Uncle Dick and Veronika Coffin"

Liz Bauer wrote on Apr 2, 2012:

"Dear Jill, I enjoyed participating in your life at most of the parties Larry and you had. The smaller gatherings in the music room, wishing that I had talent to share while enjoying those that could. The one party that the hammock lulled me gently to sleep under the stars and the night Princess Diana had her tragic accident. Passing out Wild Turkey honey liquor all night and leaving trinkets in the cantina. Year after year we looked forward to these festivities and we thank you for inviting us. As our times together were basically yearly I find I have a heavy heart and a complete sense of disbelief of the words I read here. You have left this physical plane and moved to a spiritual one...too soon.......too soon. God bless you and I hope on our next go around on this plane we can spend more time. However, I feel you may have already learned what needed to be learned and moved to teacher. Our best to you where you are and your love surrounds Larry and Gus forever. Liz and Paul Bauer"

Greg Settle wrote on Apr 2, 2012:

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Tammy & Chase Elliot wrote on Apr 2, 2012:

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Lisa M Tarr wrote on Apr 2, 2012:

"Jill and Gus were two of the first people to welcome me to the Smyrna Library when I started working there as the children's librarian 10 years ago. From reading at story time, to bringing Gus's truck collection to share with others to numerous acts of kindness, Jill made my life easier and so much more enjoyable. Gus gave me an Eastern looking magnifying glass a few year back and Jill said she had no clue why he picked this but he picked it out! It is on my night stand and I use it all the time . . . all these years later! I am so sad to learn of her death. My prayers for the family and especially for Gus! With love, Lisa Tarr"

Paula Westphal wrote on Apr 2, 2012:

"You always had a smile and kind word and were always such a pleasure to be around. My life was better for having known you. You are going to be greatly missed by many people. My heart goes out to Larry & Gus & your family. ~ Paula"

Claire Santoro wrote on Apr 2, 2012:

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Paula Westphal wrote on Apr 2, 2012:

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Larry Evans wrote on Apr 2, 2012:

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Princess wrote on Apr 1, 2012:

"This is one of my favorite photographs of Jill. I felt like it captured her essence . . . blessed and grateful. As am I to have had her in my life. I miss my dear sweet friend. My love and prayers to her family and friends - Mia"

wrote on Apr 1, 2012:

"We know you are at peace now with Our Lord and our hearts go out to your family. We are better for having know you and we will always remember your sweet smile. Shilrey, Julie, Chrissy"

Ellen Thompson wrote on Apr 1, 2012:

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sandy hamby wrote on Apr 1, 2012:

"This photo was taken on a wonderful evening when we sang & guessed titles to songs etc..... Just plain ole being together !!!!"

Claire & John Santoro wrote on Mar 31, 2012:

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Corinne (CanCan) Olson wrote on Mar 31, 2012:

"YaYa Sisterhood will not be the same without you there..but we hold your light high to shine on us brightly!"

Sylvia Johnson wrote on Mar 30, 2012:

"In our mind's eye, we still hold the picture of a twenty-something Jill on a bicycle in the South of France, gleefully peddling down the street, as all eyes fell upon this beautiful, laughing girl. Her visit brought much joy to us then, as did our on going friendship over the years. Continue to spread your light in the galaxy as you do in our hearts In Loving Memory - Donn & Sylvia Johnson."

Dorothy Thompson wrote on Mar 30, 2012:

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Paul Thompson wrote on Mar 30, 2012:

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Paula Frazier wrote on Mar 30, 2012:

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Steve Dimitrious wrote on Mar 30, 2012:

"To my beloved stepdaughter Jill. I will miss you and your calls on my birthday every year. I feel so sad that you left us so early in your life, but hopefully for a better place. Put a good word in for me. Steve Dimitrious (El Capitan)"

Dale Patricia Holmes wrote on Mar 30, 2012:

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Ally Peters wrote on Mar 30, 2012:

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Bess madden-Smiley wrote on Mar 29, 2012:

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Jane Canniff wrote on Mar 29, 2012:

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Bob and Chase Elliot wrote on Mar 29, 2012:

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Jack Varnell wrote on Mar 29, 2012:

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Melissa Crimminger wrote on Mar 29, 2012:

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Claire Smith wrote on Mar 29, 2012:

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Donna Rogers wrote on Mar 29, 2012:

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Fae Tillis wrote on Mar 29, 2012:

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Sara Marek wrote on Mar 29, 2012:

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Claire Santoro wrote on Mar 29, 2012:

"A piece of my heart is missing as I have never known a truer friend. A friend I thought would always be there and now has gone home. I have searched for words to write, or say, but none would come.. that is ..until... I thought of her and found the following ones;You can shed tears that she is gone, or you can smile because she has lived.You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back,or you can open your eyes and see all she's left.Your heart can be empty because you can't see her,or you can be full of the love you shared.You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.You can remember her only that she is gone,or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back.Or you can do what she'd want:smile, open your eyes, love and go on. (David Harkins)I hear her voice saying these words to me because I know that is what she would have wanted all of us to do. My heart is aching and nothing will ever fill that void, but I will cherish her memory, and ask God to help us all continue to love and go on. Larry, Gus, Donna, Jack, Dottie, Paul, Jessica, Zachary, Jessica's little one, family and friends, our loss is great! She was a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, community leader and much more. Before she passed she shared with me her greatest role was that of a mother to Gus, and how very proud she was of her son. Her greatest joy, the best role she ever had, that of a mother. She made everyone she met an immediate part of her family. She illuminated Gods light and love with her voice, her touch, her kindness, her compassion, her actions and her inspirational uplifting faith. Her zest for life was infectious and I am better for having had the extreme priviledge of being called her friend. Not a day will go by that I will not think of her and know that I am "Blessed and Grateful"!!!!!!!All my love, my prayers to you all!! I will miss my "Girlie"Claire Santoro --- Auntie Claire"

Candace Champness wrote on Mar 29, 2012:

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Jacqueline Shipman wrote on Mar 29, 2012:

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Gus wrote on Mar 29, 2012:

"Jack Franklin Hedrick was added to the Family Tree."

Gus wrote on Mar 29, 2012:

"Donna Jean Hedrick was added to the Family Tree."

Gus wrote on Mar 29, 2012:

"Jack F. Hedrick was added to the Family Tree."

Gus wrote on Mar 29, 2012:

"Dorothy Jean Tompson was added to the Family Tree."

Gus wrote on Mar 29, 2012:

"Larry P. Jones was added to the Family Tree."

Gus wrote on Mar 29, 2012:

"Larry Philip Jones was added to the Family Tree."

Jack Varnell wrote on Mar 29, 2012:

"Peace and blessings to all who knew and loved her. Special thoughts and wishes to Donna,Larry, Jack . Much love..."

Gus wrote on Mar 29, 2012:

"Gus Jones was added to the Family Tree."

david joe fletcher wrote on Mar 29, 2012:

"to many things to list you'll be missed but not forgoten"

Sandy & Sam Hamby & Audrey & Judi wrote on Mar 28, 2012:

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David Bruce (sandy hamby's Dad) wrote on Mar 28, 2012:

"Hello Family of Jill Jones, My heart goes out to All of you !!! May Your Love & Memories get You through these tough times. I only met Jill once at a Hamby Cook-Out a few years ago. But on Sunday October 23,2011 Jill & the Smyrna Boys came over to unload my things from a moving truck. I am a Disabled Veteran who fell in hard times. I can never express what it meant to me to have such a caring person like Jill ( & boys ) to come help me move into my new home. THANK-YOU Jill Jones ! You'll Always have a place in my heart & May You rest in Peace. God truely has an ANGEL with Heart ! GOD SPEED Jill Jones !! Sincerely David Bruce"

Judy Brassfield wrote on Mar 28, 2012:

"Jill was a pillar of love and a free spirit. May she be an inspiration to all for her willingness to live every moment to the fullest, enjoying every breath and including others in the mix to share her love of life. I know she's finally dancing again. Love you Jill."

Beth Cooper-Zobott wrote on Mar 28, 2012:

"Sending hugs, kisses and deepest condolences to you, Donna, on the passing of your angel, Jill. I am so sorry for your loss and Dave and I will keep you and your family close to our hearts and in our thoughts, and will light a candle this weekend at church. Everyone from the SE Region at Equity (who I am with this week in Orlando) send their love. Beth Cooper-Zobott"

Michele Schmitt wrote on Mar 28, 2012:

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Sandy & Sam Hamby &Family & Judi Ke.. wrote on Mar 28, 2012:

"Heaven has a Beautiful Angel ! Jill was a Beautiful Person here on Earth ! Jill has always been there-everywhere for everyone ! My Hearts Hurts so,but at same time know that she's at Peace ! I Remember all the times Jill and I & a few Neighbors would have our little Pow-wows about coming WPN Events-What FUN & Hard Work We all put into it !!! We always came through together !!! The Night of Jill & Larry's Reunion Party,Jill & about 4 or 5 of us girls were waiting for the rest room to be empty,We SANG Amazing Grace & commented on how Beautiful of a song it was & how Powerful the words were. That was a Beautiful Night !!! As Jill (& Grandma) says " God has a plan for ALL of Us,We may not like it,but God doesn't give you more than you can handle & in the end, IT ALL Works Out ........Jill you will be miss ever so deeply by so many !!! Please Say Hello to Heather for me........GOD SPEED JILL !!..................To Jill's Family- Our Hearts go out to ALL of you !! Don't forget to lean on each other & Friends. May Love & Memories guide you through this difficult time. Your Loving Friends Sandy & Sam Hamby & Family & Judi Kessler( of course our pups & kitties too)"

Sandy Hamby wrote on Mar 28, 2012:

"That's our Jill !!!!!"

Sandy Hamby wrote on Mar 28, 2012:

"So very true !!!"

Mary Sabourin wrote on Mar 28, 2012:

"My condolences to the Hedrick Family and to Jill's husband and son. I remember Jill from when I first saw her in 1964 in Texas and again at the Coffin family reunion and she sang "Skinna Marinky Dinky Dink. My children and grandchildren remember that so well. What a fun young lady she was. Happy memories."

Carolyn Dishman wrote on Mar 28, 2012:

"Gus, what wonderful pictures of your beautiful Mama. I am your Grandma's friend and have heard so many fun stories of you and your family over the years. My prayers are with you all at this sad time. I know that your Mother will be your personal Angel watching over you all your life surrounding you with her love, strength and protection. Carolyn Dishman"

Illania Hofler wrote on Mar 28, 2012:

"i was so blessed to know Jill and will forever remember all the amazing loving moments that I was privileged to share with her. This anniversary party was so special and the love and joy that was experienced by all who were there was phenomenal. I am so sad that she is gone and happy and grateful for all the joy Jill brought to me and how she so graciously touched the lives of all who knew her----fly on dear sweet friend and bring pleasure to all who have just welcomed you into heaven---I love you"

Shaun Martin wrote on Mar 28, 2012:

"Jill was an inspiration to our family in so many ways. Everytime my daughter Naima had a fundraiser at school, Jill was right there to prod her on and encourage others to support Naima. We worked together on the Williams Park Neighbors Children's Committee and I can say, her desire to enlighten the "little ones" made her an angel in disguise and I am so blessed to have known her and to have worked with her. She had an uncanny ability to light the spark in the hearts of a child and soon after bright faces and hearts would be buzzing about after being brushed by her wonderful and infectious spirit. To Jill, With Love!!!"

Sandy Hamby wrote on Mar 28, 2012:

"Beautiful Photo of Mother & Son !!!!"

Sandy Hamby wrote on Mar 28, 2012:

"reunion is suppose to be Renewal. Sorry,it's hard to type when your crying."

Sandy Hamby wrote on Mar 28, 2012:

"Beautiful Photos !!!!!!"

Gary Kowal wrote on Mar 28, 2012:

"always in our hearts - Gary - Leo - Chet - Jake Kowal members of the boys club- We love You Jill"