WILLIAMSBURG — Martha “Marty” Roland Jones, 73, passed away in the warm embrace of her family Thursday, April 8, 2021.
Born in Jasper, Indiana, to Kenneth and Ruth (Stuehrk) Roland, she and her family moved to Tell City to be closer to other family. Her father, Kenneth, was a third generation jeweler and watchmaker, and brother Ken continues with Roland’s Jewelry in Tell City. While pursuing a degree in dental hygiene at Indiana University in Bloomington, Marty officially met Roger William Jones, the love of her life. Marty loved to tell the story of how Roger, who lived nearly 80 miles from her in Seymour, Indiana, first caught her eye when she watched him play in a high school basketball game in 1965. They married in 1969 and lived in Indiana and North Carolina before settling in Williamsburg in 1976.
As well as being a devoted mother of three and grandmother of six, Marty was active in the Williamsburg community throughout her life there, having various roles as a local business owner and volunteer with the regional library, hospital auxiliaries, Literacy for Life, Junior Women’s Club and Williamsburg Garden Club. She thrived as an organizer and loved working with others toward community-oriented goals.
Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg became a focal point of her life outside of family. In addition to being a longtime member, she passionately offered much of her time there as member of the vestry, serving as senior warden, Altar Guild, Floral Guild, Lay Readers, Kitchen Ministry and many other leadership roles. She loved flowers, and one of her great pleasures was organizing flower arrangements with her friends and colleagues at Bruton Parish.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Marilyn Roland Laflin.
She is survived by her husband, Dr. Roger William Jones; daughter, Emily Jones Chaikin (Erik); sons, Patrick Roland Jones (Catherine Mountjoy) and Nathaniel Austin Jones (Kathryn Stahl); grandchildren, Andrew, Alex, Elliott, Emma, Marshall and Jacob; sister, Jean Roland Kennedy (Steven); and brother, Kenneth Robert Roland (Semra).
A celebratory service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, April 22, in the Bruton Parish Episcopal Church churchyard, Williamsburg.
In lieu of flowers or other gifts, contributions in Marty’s memory may be made to the Bruton Parish Episcopal Church Foundation, where they will be used to help preserve the church as a National Historic Landmark; ensure its continued outreach in the community; and provide flowers for many others to enjoy, just as she did. Donations may be sent by mail to Bruton Parish Episcopal Church Foundation, P.O. Box 3520, Williamsburg, VA 23187.
Share online condolences with the family at Bucktrout of Williamsburg Funeral Service.
