ATHENS- Verda B. Jones, 101, passed away Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at The Lindley Inn, The Plains, Ohio.
Born in Athens, Ohio to John W. and Mary L. Chappell, Verda spent most of her childhood in Athens County, including her grandparents’ farm in Shade, Ohio. A 1941 graduate of Shade High School, Verda attended Ohio University on a full scholarship until the start of WWII changed everything.
In 1944, Verda eloped with Staff Sgt. Robert Sands at Fort Knox, Kentucky. They then lived on base in Arkansas until he was deployed overseas. She then moved to Akron, Ohio to live near her parents and find employment. After Robert’s active duty, she moved to Athens so her husband could finish his degree with the help of the GI Bill. Due to his career, Verda and Robert lived in Akron, Detroit and Toledo before settling again in Athens. Robert Sands passed unexpectedly in 1962.
In 1964, Verda met and later married John M. Jones. She joined him in his business as well as becoming an active member of several charitable organizations serving the Athens community.
Verda was a charter member of the Sheltering Arms Hospital Guild, Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees for O’Bleness Memorial Hospital, charter member of Southeastern Ohio Arts Center, Chairperson of the Athens City Bicentennial and received an Honorary Alumna Degree from Ohio University.
She was most proud to be one of eight founders (all women) of The Athens Foundation in 1983. Verda said they started with zero money and a lot of determination. To set up the fund each of the women donated $50.00. The current endowment is now over $12 million.
Besides her parents, Verda was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert B. Sands, her son, John Eric Sands Jones and her second husband, John M. Jones.
Surviving are her daughter Cynthia Winner (William) of The Plains, Ohio, the joys of her life, her three grandchildren John Mishler-Elmore (Beth) of Madison, Wisconsin; Robert Elmore (Lindsay) of Solon, Ohio; Erika Jones of Portsmouth, Ohio; and her three great-grandchildren, Lillianna, Gabriel and Elliott. Verda was lucky to have loving nieces, nephews and cousins, who also survive.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to The Lindley Inn for the loving care Verda received; and Amedisys Hospice for their caring services.
In lieu of flowers, per Verda’s wishes, please donate to The Athens County Food Shelter or Friends of the Shelter Dogs (FOSD) Athens County.
Graveside services will be held in the Spring. Arrangements are by Jagers and Sons Funeral Home, Athens. Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfunerlahome.com.
