Elva Sears Jones passed away at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009 at 11:15 a.m.

Her daughter, Dr. Sonya L. Jones of Somerset, survives.

Mrs. Jones was born Dec. 9, 1923 in the eastern end of Pulaski County to Allen and Donna (Farmer) Sears who preceded her in death.

She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Onva C. and Vola Von and by her husband of sixty-one years, Reid S. Jones.

Elva Jones graduated from Shopville High School in 1940. She completed the two-years course of teaching training by Sue Bennett College, received her teacher certification, and began teaching at Sears School (named for her family) at age 18. She graduated from Union College in 1952 and went on to a career of forty-four years as a well-respected educator in the Pulaski County and Somerset

Independent School Systems.

Mrs. Jones taught a range of levels from senior English to 4th grade and especially enjoyed teaching middle school, or junior high school as it was called when she taught at Central Jr. High School under Principal Ed Tucker in the 1960s. Mrs. Jones even advised the cheerleaders and yearbook staff at Shopville High School prior to entering the Somerset system.

Known for her bright personality and sweetness as well as her keeness and quiet strength, Elva Jones was a beacon of light to many students across the years. She loved to show students how to diagram sentences, and many never forgot her instructions. Often, she told her students when they complained about others: "Do not criticize the Indian until you have walked a mile in his moccasin."

Mrs. Jones was fond of praising students and others who "tried," human beings who made an effort to better themselves and their lives.

It was no surprise, then, that she established The Jones Educational Foundation, Inc. with daughter Sonya in 2005 as a way to "reward people whose effort matches their ability."

The Jones Foundation has expanded to assist people in southeastern Kentucky and beyond with their spiritual and educational journeys. For four years, The Foundation has offered scholarships to graduating seniors from high schools located in Pulaski Co. who demonstrate excellence in scholarship and loyalty to their communities. Recently, this 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit corporation co-founded by Mrs. Jones endowed an annual award in education at Union College, Mrs. Jones' alma mater.

The Foundation also operates many of the programs offered at Slate Branch Retreat House & Farm. Mrs. Jones designed Slate Branch Retreat House and worked with local craftsmen to build it in the mid-1980s. The weekend before her death, she actively participated in proceedings of the annual Jones Foundation Trustees meeting held at Slate Branch House.

Mrs. Jones was a lifelong Methodist and a long-time member of First United Methodist Church, Somerset. She served for many years as Treasurer of the Harmony Circle. Members of First Methodist will long remember the stoneware dish in which Mrs. Jones brought coconut cream and Japanese fruit pies to church dinners. A gift from daughter Sonya, the stoneware plate was engraved, "Baked by E. Jones."

Visitation for Elva Sears Jones will be held in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church, 99 S. Central Ave., today, Sunday, Oct. 18, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and one hour before the final rites. The Celebration of Life Ceremony is scheduled for the chapel of First United Methodist on Monday, Oct. 19, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Terry Reffett officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Jones Educational Foundation, Inc. (www.jonesfoundation.net), P.O. Box 289, Somerset, Ky. 42502.

Somerset Undertaking Co. & Crematory is in charge of arrangements. Elva Sears Jones will be buried in the Jones family plot of Somerset Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed at www.somersetundertaking.com.