Amanda Tanner Jones
JONES, Amanda T., 79, of Powhatan, died peacefully at her home Aug. 16, 2020 surrounded by her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Alice H. and Fred H. Tanner and brother, Dr. Terrell B. Tanner. Survivors include her husband of 58 years, W. Hardman Jones Jr.; daughter Laura Jones (Jeff Burke) of Madison, Wis.; son Will Jones (Christin) of Midlothian; grandsons Tanner Jones of Arlington and Graham Jones of Midlothian; sister Nancy Stewart (Carter) of Baldwin, Ga.; and countless other relatives and friends.
Born in Concord, N.C., Amanda grew up on Cherry Street in Commerce, Ga., where she and her future husband met as kindergarteners. After dating as classmates at Commerce High School and the University of Georgia, the couple married in June 1962 and began a lifetime of adventures. Hardman’s service in the U.S. Navy allowed them to explore both coasts, including St. Simons Island, Ga., which became their vacation destination for nearly 50 years. Amanda and Hardman settled in Richmond before retiring in Powhatan, where they became faithful members of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Amanda worked as a teacher and in retail, and volunteered for her church and Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Blessed with bright blue eyes, an endearing laugh and a radiant smile, she aged but never grew old. She had a generous spirit that lifted those close to her, and her loving care filled her gardens with color. She delighted in her family, music, books and well-prepared meals, and she savored her role as her grandsons’ Nana. Her final wish was peace for herself and those dear to her.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 2245 Huguenot Trail, Powhatan, VA 23139, or Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond, VA 23228.
The family will hold a private memorial service.
Thank you for making LJ and creating such a wonderful family. So happy we got to meet after all the years. We’ll take care of your daughter, rest assured. To all the family, we know how awesome and special a woman you’ve lost. Thinking about you all.
What a beautiful and blessed life Ms. Jones led. Will, I know how close you are to your family and what your parents mean to you. Please know you have many friends who are thinking of you. Wishing you nothing but strength, peace and the best of memories right now. My deepest sympathy to you, Christin, your dad and the rest of the family.
Hardman, Will, and Laura, I can’t tell you how sad this makes me. Her beautiful smile and laugh will stay in my memory forever. My heart is broken for you. Martha
Thank you for creating one of the most wonderful friends I have ever known in your daughter, Laura. It was my good fortune to be friends with her for so long that I was able to meet you and enjoy your warmth and good humor. You have instilled her with values to be proud of and I know they will live on in her forever. She is in good hands now and we will always do our best to keep her safe and happy. I know you will visit often and she will need that. May you be at peace knowing the love of your family is eternal and that your tasks here accomplished. Be at peace with those loved ones who have gone before you and reside in happiness with our God forevermore.
Condolences to all the family from your friends in Ireland
My dear Laura.
I can see your mother’s beautiful smile in your smile. I am grateful that she shared you with us Sending love, strength, and condolences to you and your family.
Dear Hardman and family,
I am so saddened to learn of Amanda’s passing. She was such a dear, dear person! I will always remember how you two rolled out the red carpet to me, a fellow Commerce friend when we were all in San Diego in the Navy! Amanda was always so hospitable, loving, and even tempered. I bought her portable Singer sewing machine from you guys and I still have it! My love and sympathy to you, Will, Laura, and also Nancy, Susan , and Carolyn.
I never met Amanda but I have met a Laura and Will, and they both stand as evidence of how fantastic and special she must have been. The world was better by having her in it, and a little less with her loss. Our hearts and love go out to the Jones family.
Dear Hardman and family,
Norene and I were so sorry to hear of Amanda’s passing. It was so nice to remember our last get together when you and Amanda came to our home in San Diego during a VAW-11 reunion. (We still have our picture together!) I’ll always remember our good times working together in the Navy at Point Loma . We wish all the best for and the family during this stressful time.The best to you all, Len and Norene
I’ve known Amanda only a very short time, but I could tell from the first moment that she has never met a stranger. Her smile, laugh, and kindness were so warm and genuine that you had no choice but to love her. She will be missed by so many, but she leaves a great legacy of love.
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. I had the pleasure of doing her hair for many years and she was always delightful . She loved her family especially those grandsons💕
On behalf of the 1958 CHS graduating class, we were saddened to learn of Amanda’s struggle and death. Our Class was not a Great Class but we were a Class that had many challenges. These challenges have been met by many classmates since graduation., with courage and honor. These are the traits of being a Commerce Tiger. Amanda is the 25th class member to pass away out of 82 official graduates A few finished summer school and graduated the same year a little later. Amanda was the same throughout her life as many others have described on this comment page. Our Class song was ” You will never walk alone” This has been true to Amanda and the others of our class. She left a good legacy to family and friends to follow.
So unbelievably sad. Even though we didn’t see you often, only at Will’s band performances recently, it was always so special to hug and catch up. Sharing life with you on Scarsborough Drive while the kids grew up was a special blessing. I’ll miss you Amanda, and we grieve with you Hardman, Laura and Will.
Oh Shipmate, I am saddened to hear of Amanda’s passing. I remember the good times we had together in BOPC and 08. I was very happy to have been able to visit with you both on your last visit to the West Coast. I am sorry I can’t do more . I would be there if I could.
Dear Hardman, Laura & Jeff and Will & Christin and Tanner & Graham,
Please know that Bob & I are lifting your family up to God’s throne of Grace & Mercy as we pray for His comfort, His Peace and His Hope in your lives. .Psalm 34:18 ,”The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Love, Georgia & Bob