LAURIE LEE POWELL JONES

PERRY – Laurie Lee Powell Jones, 74, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 18, 2023, after an extended illness. Services will be held on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at Perry United Methodist Church. The Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., and the Funeral with Reverend Tom Carruth officiating will begin at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in Perry Memorial Gardens immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions to First Love Ministries, 623 Pine Ridge Street, Perry, GA 31069, or The Perry/Houston County Library, 1201 Washington Street, Perry, GA 31069. Laurie was born on May 11, 1949, in Blakely, Georgia, to the late Oscar and Mary Ann Peacock Powell. After living with her family in Albany and Ocilla, she graduated from high school then attended Young Harris College for a year. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan College and accepted an internship with then Governor Jimmy Carter. Laurie moved to Perry to work with the Probation Court in Houston County. She soon met and married the love of her life, Bobby Jones. In the early years of her residency in Perry, she was an active member of Perry United Methodist Church for many years. After gaining some experience in the work force, Laurie worked for Houston County Family and Children’s Services for twelve years. Once their son, Robert, was born, she continuously worked hard to create a loving and encouraging environment for her family as a stay-at-home mom. She enjoyed reading, working crossword puzzles, and tending to her butterfly garden, as well as recycling and exercising. During that time, Laurie also went back to college and earned a Master’s Degree in Education, and when Robert started kindergarten, she began her career as a teacher at Perry Middle School. After twenty-two years in the classroom, she retired and spent quality time with her family, particularly caring for her husband during his illness. Grace Church and the families there became her home away from home and her support system. Laurie was a devoted wife and mother and was grateful for the moments caring for Bobby during his remaining years on this earth. After Bobby’s passing, “adventures” and travels with Robert became her passion in life. They enjoyed many special trips and events for several years until her own illness began to slowly steal her time, her mind, and her memories. Although the disease took it’s toll on Laurie, her kind and loving spirit was never lost, her positive attitude remained, and her love for her only child never wavered. Laurie was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Paul Powell and John Powell; and her faithful and devoted husband of forty-two years, Bobby Jones. Left to cherish the memories they made with Laurie are he caring and devoted son, Robert B. Jones of Perry; her sisters-in-law, Cathy Powell of Alexandria, VA, and Joan Powell of Smyrna; several nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly. Condolences for the family may be left in the online guestbook at www.watsonhunt.com. Watson-Hunt Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Tributes

LAURIE LEE POWELL JONES

May 11, 1949 - December 18, 2023