Barbara Jones

Barbara Theophanis Jones, 95, of Lady Lake, Florida, formerly of Tallahassee, Florida, passed away on Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Lady Lake, Florida. Barbara was born near Athens Greece, daughter of the late Theodore Agathangelos Theophanis and Nadia Shavvel Theophanis. She was awarded a scholarship to study social work at Lander College in South Carolina where she met her husband, Fred. After their marriage in 1955, they lived in Germany for a few years while Fred served in the US Army, relocated to Ohio for four years, moved to Washington state for a year, and then drove across the country to Tallahassee in 1962 where they resided for almost 60 years. They were both employed at Florida State University where Barbara was much appreciated in her long-time role as Assistant to the Dean of Basic Studies by both co-workers and students who benefitted from her kind and able counsel. Having lived in German-occupied Athens during World War II, Barbara knew the value of working hard, being flexible and finding ways to contribute. Testimonials written for their 50th wedding anniversary album bear witness to Barbara’s kindness and wisdom and how she served and greatly enjoyed family and friends. Barbara modeled an appreciation of different cultures and languages, love of literature, and enjoyment of the simple things in life. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed music, the arts, and hand work such as crocheting and embroidery. Her loving interest and practical confidence will be greatly missed. Barbara and Fred actively supported the endeavors of their children and grandchildren over the years.They kept in touch and regularly hosted gatherings to play bridge and other games and to enjoy delicious foods and desserts. In addition to their own international travel, they generously provided resources for family members to travel to Greece and other destinations, have regular family reunions, and help the grandchildren experience educational opportunities. Barbara is survived by children, Theodore “Ted” Jones (Susan), Dorothy Jones Moat (Jack), Michael “Mike” Jones (Glenda); grandchildren, Sarah Jones, Tom Jones, Sonia Jones Byrnes (Tim), Sean Jones (Kelly), Titus Jones (Katie), Daniel Jones (MaryBeth), Serena Jones Bergfors (Ryan), Travis Jones (Erika), David Jones, and 5 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Maria Plyta Theophanis; brother-in-law Leroy Ellsworth Jones; nieces, Nadia Theophanis Katopis (Petros), Victoria “Vickie” Jones Southworth (Dan), Katherine “Kathi” Jones Dobson (Tom, deceased); nephews, Thanos Theophanis (Barbara), Eric Jones (Penny), Greg Jones, Randolph “Randy” Jones; and other beloved relatives. Barbara was predeceased by her husband James Frederick “Fred” Jones and siblings; Vera Theophanis, Agathangelos “Galik”Theophanis, and Theodore Theophanis. Visitation starts at 10:00 am on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the Abbey Funeral Home, followed by an indoor service at 11:00 am and a graveside committal for family afterwards in adjacent Tallahassee Memory Gardens, Garden of the Christus. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Saint Francis Wildlife Association at www.stfranciswildlife.org.

Barbara Jones

August 25, 1929 - July 24, 2025