Helen R. Jones

Helen Victorine Rector Jones passed away peacefully on Monday, July 31, 2023, at the Retreat at Fishersville at the remarkable age of 103.   

Born on February 16, 1920, in Reynolds, Indiana, Helen was the daughter of the late Paul Cameron and Anna Mae Blunk Rector. 

Helen graduated from Oakton High School in Fairfax County in 1935, she graduated from Madison College with a teaching degree in 1940. She taught for two years at Mount Vernon High School and then in 1943 she worked as a physicist for the National Bureau of Standards testing war materials. After World War II, she taught for one year at Wytheville High School in Wytheville before returning to teach in Fairfax County.

After obtaining a master's degree from George Washington University in 1953, she became a guidance counselor at several Fairfax County public schools. While serving in that capacity at W.T. Woodson High School, she also coached the high school rifle team.

She was the president of the Virginia Personnel and Guidance Association in 1969. She also served on the Board of Governors of the American Personnel and Guidance Association for several years. She was listed in the "Who's Who of American Women", was included in the 1969 Personalities of the South, and served as president of both the Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department's Women Auxiliary and the Fairview School League.

After retiring and after the death of her beloved husband, Franklin Ware Jones, she traveled extensively, visiting many countries around the world. She greatly enjoyed taking her grandchildren on trips around North America, which showed her love for her family and her ability to foster unforgettable experiences. She also enjoyed making beautiful baskets and quilts, which she enjoyed giving to family and friends.

Helen's dedication to her faith was unwavering as well. She was a lifetime member of the Methodist Church. Over the years, she was a member of Fairfax UMC, Bridgewater UMC, Mint Springs UMC, and most recently, Saint Paul's UMC. Her faith was an integral part of her identity, and it served as the guiding light throughout her life.

She is survived by her three loving sons, Robert William (Glenna), Harold Franklin, and James Wilson Jones; her seven grandchildren: Jake, Justine, Hockaday (Alexis), Hunter (Andrea), and Boone (fiancée, Sammi) Jones, Mackenzie Young (Jeff), and Madison Nabil (Usman); and four great-grandchildren: Ford Henry Young, Elias Jones Nabil, Franklyn Grace Jones, Becklee Ann Jones, with one more little one on the way.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings, James, Robert, and Jean Krehbiel and Mary Katherine Griffin. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

In recognition of Helen's life and her enduring faith, the family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM at Saint Paul's Church. The funeral service will follow immediately after at 11:00 AM with the Reverend Ryan Oswald officiating. Following the service, she will be interred at Fairfax City Cemetery.

It is suggested that those desiring may make memorial contributions to Saint Paul's Church (2000 Shutterlee Mill Road, Staunton, VA 24401).