Joyce Amanda Jones Wilson, 79, died Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, at Lexington Premier Nursing and Rehab.
A proud native of Sharpsburg, she was born Oct. 30, 1946, to the late Smith “Buddy” Jones Jr. and Mattie Florence Boyd Jones. Until her health failed, she was an active and devoted member of Greater First Baptist Church in Sharpsburg. She once served as a junior usher and was a member of the Missionary Society. She attended Bath County Schools and was later united in marriage to the late Thomas Wilson. Upon the passing of her sister, Phyllis Jones, Joyce and Tommy raised Phyllis’s two sons, Brian and Kevin Jones, as their own bonus sons. She was a homemaker for many years and was always in demand as a loving babysitter to many families in Sharpsburg, Mt. Sterling, and surrounding areas. After her husband’s death, she moved to Lexington and worked as a nanny for many years. In addition to her genuine love for children, she was quite the diva who was always decked out in the latest colorful fashions, hairstyles, and jewelry. She was also an excellent cook and pastry chef, known for her blackberry jam cakes, which she often gave with love as prized Christmas gifts. Her considerable culinary skills resulted in her recipes being included in several local publications. Blessed with a pleasing personality, great sense of humor, and the gift of gab, she never met a stranger and was well-loved by her many special lifelong friends.
She leaves a plethora of family and friends to cherish her memory, including her bonus sons, Brian Jones of Richmond and Kevin Jones of Carlisle; brothers, Charles “Smitty” Jones (Sue) of Nicholasville, William “Billy” Jones (Jefello) of Dayton, Ohio, Robert “Bobby” Jones (Jennifer) and Quentin Jones, both of Lexington; sister-in-law, Ruth Ann Clemons of Jacksonville, Fla.; special niece, Theresa L. Clemons Bennefield (Samuel) of Jacksonville, Fla.; and a bevy of bonus grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was also loved by a countless number of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
In addition to her parents, husband, and sister she was preceded in death by brother-in-law, Lewis J. Clemons; and bonus granddaughter, Kiara Jones.
Service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at Greater First Baptist Church in Sharpsburg. Visitation will be 11 a.m.- 1 p.m., Saturday. Burial will be in Olive Hill Cemetery in Mt. Sterling.
Arrangements are entrusted to Richardson Funeral Home in Owingsville.
