Janet Owen Jones

Janet Owen Jones of Buffalo Junction, VA departed this life on Sunday, March 10, 2024. During her 98 years, Mrs. Jones was an educator, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and friend to all who knew her.
Janet was educated in Townsville, NC, and graduated from Chase City High School. While attending James Madison University, she met her husband of 57 years, Charles F. “Pop” Jones, Jr.

Janet was the oldest surviving member of Buffalo Baptist Church where she had been a member since 1948. She taught Sunday School for many years, was past President of the WMU and teacher for the Training Union, which she helped to organize at the church. In addition to teaching Sunday School, she taught in public school until she and her husband became owners and operators of Jones Restaurant for 25 years. She also owned and operated The C Shop, a ladies apparel store and Footprints Daycare, a child care center. She retired in 2011 at the age of 85.

Mrs. Jones and her sister-in-law, Rebecca Jones Cary, were instrumental in establishing the Clarksville Regional Museum. Jones bought the Sam Davis home to house the museum. She worked to procure exhibits for the museum to show the history of the area and highlight community accomplishments. She served on the Board of Directors and as docent for many years. She was a lifetime member of the Museum, lifetime member of the Ladies Auxiliary of V.F.W. Post 8163, member of the Rotunda Society of UVA and member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. She donated the land where the Lake Life Live concerts and other community events are currently held to the Town of Clarksville.

In 2008, Clarksville Lake Country Chamber of Commerce voted her Citizen of the Year. She also received the Kathleen Walker Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2023, the Town of Clarksville presented her with a key to the town for her many years of generosity.

Janet is preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Mary Owen; her husband, Charles “Pop” Jones; her three sons, Ronnie, Charles and Michael Jones; brothers, Dwight and Robbie Owen and her sister, Peggy Unger. She is survived by her sister, Beulah Bobbitt of Aberdeen, NC, brother-in-law, Phillip Unger of Daleville, VA as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at Buffalo Baptist Church in Buffalo Junction, VA on Thursday, March 14 at 2:00 P.M. Funeral services will be conducted by Reverend Chet Bergeron, with interment in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. A reception will be held in the church fellowship hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Buffalo Baptist Church, 803 Buffalo Church Road, Buffalo Junction, VA 24529, or Clarksville Regional Museum, 801 West St., Clarksville, VA 23927.

Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home of Clarksville, VA will be assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.wclfh.com or by visiting our Facebook page.