Legacy of Love    

Jeannie Jones, the Founder of Escape

In tribute to the founder of Escape, we honor Jeannie Jones for her legacy of love. From her wisdom and insight into the needs of women, her desire to be a spiritual compass and her constant pursuit of excellence, Escape was born in the Spring of 2003.

As we continue to gather each Spring for our annual Escape, it is without Jeannie, who made the ultimate "escape" into her heavenly inheritance on October 18, 2003, just seven months after the birth of Escape.

As a youngster Jeannie began her journey of faith and service at Ashland Avenue Baptist. Her beloved Aunt Regina, a woman of faith, was an influential tributary to Jeannie's stream of life on a personal level as well as a spiritual one. Regina brought her young niece to Sunday school and church regularly, and there, Jeannie fell in love with Jesus and responded to His gift of salvation.

In her teens she fell in love again; this time with the Pastor's son, Jerry Jones and on June 24, 1972 they were married. The two became one. They became four with the birth of daughter, Rochelle and son, Bradley. Both Rochelle and Brad are now married, have children of  their own and are serving in full time ministry. This, in itself, is a tremendous legacy!

Jeannie's willing heart and love for serving others extended far beyond her own family. Everyone mattered --- beginning with the countless number of children on her bus route, and in Sunday school classes, vacation Bible schools and junior camps who were too young to appreciate the extent of the labor involved in her ministry to them. They squealed with delight at her funny characters and stories, not realizing that the seed of God's word was being planted in their tender hearts by one who was most concerned about their eternity.

Her service in the Awana clubs spanned more than a decade and gave her the opportunity to lead hundreds of children in scripture memorization as they learned to hide God's word in their hearts. She also served as a counselor in the teen ministry, working with both Jr. High and Sr. High teens.

Jeannie also left her mark on planning committees, Bible study groups, prayer teams and important outreach ministries. She was a well-loved and respected speaker at ladies meetings in many churches where she inspired women with her music and her encouraging message.

One of the things Jeannie loved most was music and as she broadened her legacy, she sought areas where she could use the vocal talent God had given her and serve in the music ministry. Many congregations in many churches were blessed by her singing. She also conducted choral groups and children's choirs and was an integral part of the Adult choir at Ashland Avenue Baptist Church where her husband Jerry began pastoring in 2000.

She truly touched so many lives over the years. And everyone who received one of her radiant smiles got a glimpse of the heart of Jesus.

The magnitude of her legacy is incomprehensible! But we can be confident that she has now realized her heart's desire.....—“I just want to hear Him say ‘well done’ good and faithful one.”

This “child of mercy and grace who blessed God's name unapologetically" left an offering which is a blessing to all of us who will be refreshed, renewed, and encouraged each year as we gather to enjoy the experience of Escape.