Helen Jones

Mrs. Helen A. Jones, 90, of Walterboro, entered into her state of eternal rest Friday morning, July 16, 2010, at the Lowman Home near Columbia.



A daughter of the late Solomon W. and Minnie Ayoob, she was born October 22, 1919, and raised in California. She began her 52-year married journey with William Clarke Jones on October 19, 1936. Her adventure began on a blind date with Bill Jones in San Francisco. While 7-months pregnant, she traveled solo by train in 1937 to re-join her husband in South Carolina and so began her South Carolina journey. After the birth of their daughter, Amanda, World War II began, and Helen and Clarke believed their fortunes (and his responsibilities) were in California so they traveled back across country to San Francisco. Soon enough, a second daughter, Sandra, arrived, but South Carolinas attraction was very strong so back to Walterboro, SC, went the couple and their two daughters.

Helen adopted southern culture, becoming involved in church and choir as well as the support for her girls activities. Helen learned how to cook southern style while valuing the Middle East culture of her family. She sewed clothes for herself and her girls. Before long, her son, Will, was born. Thinking their family was complete, they were surprised by the arrival of their fourth child, Martha, seven months after their oldest daughters wedding.



Helen was raised in the Eastern Orthodox tradition, and she spent much of her young adulthood in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church community. She and Clarke eventually found their spiritual home in the Episcopal Church. She became a member of the Daughters of the King at Old St. Andrews Parish in Charleston, SC. She served in many capacities, primarily with the Altar Guild, at St. Judes Episcopal Church, Walterboro, SC. She enjoyed her later years at The Church of the Good Shepherd, Columbia, SC, and The Episcopal Church of St. Simon and St. Jude, Irmo, SC. Helen was a strong supporter of the music programs in each of her church affiliations.



Helen instilled strong values in her children and developed long-lasting relationships with relatives and friends. Her love of music and musical talent was passed to her children and grandchildren. She cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Helen is survived by daughters Amanda Rines (Charles), Lake Elsinore, CA, Sandra Teel (Jess), Martha Zion, Columbia, SC, her son Will Jones (Diane), Atlanta, GA, and her brother Solomon Ayoob, Jr., (Donna), Harbor City, CA. She is also survived by her grandchildren Charles C. Rines, H. Suzanne Atkins (Chris), M. Catherine A. Mancino (Dale) of California; Andrew C. Jones, Las Vegas, NV; Kera J. Jones, Atlanta, GA; Philip A. Zion, Daniel A. Zion, Columbia, SC, and great-grandchildren Alexandria, Mikaela, and Zachery Atkins and Gabriel and Aaron Mancino. Helen is predeceased by her husband, her brother William S. Ayoob, sisters Martha A. Orvik and Selma A. Torstensen and grandson Xan C. Teel.



Funeral services will be conducted 1 oclock Wednesday afternoon, July 21, 2010, from Saint Judes Episcopal Church, 907 Wichman Street, Walterboro, with The Reverend Fr. Randall C. Morgan, The Reverend Fr. Charles T. Rines, and The Reverend Fr. Mark A. Abdelnour celebrants. The final commendation and committal will follow in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 7345 Jefferies Highway, Walterboro.



In lieu of flowers, please feel free to contribute to an organization of your choosing in Helens honor.



Family and friends are invited to call Wednesday afternoon beginning at 11 oclock until the service hour in Skardon Hall at Saint Judes Episcopal Church.

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