Laura Louvincie Bell Jones was born August 17, 1928 – the second of seven children born to the late Harriett
and Brooks Bell, Sr. She grew up in Portal (Bulloch County), GA and was educated at the Bennett Grove
Elementary School, which was built by her grandfather, Benjamin Bennett, and was the last one-room school in
Bulloch County. She later attended Willow Hill High School.
Laura accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Skull Creek Baptist Church #2. On July 10, 1949, Laura
was united in holy matrimony to (the late) Charlie Jones, Jr. (C. J.). Upon their marriage, Laura moved her
membership to her husband's church – Johnson Chapel Baptist Church, where they served faithfully side by side for
many, many years. Laura sang in the Choir, served on the Mission Board, and later served as the Church's Mother.
Upon the death of her husband, she relocated to Atlanta – but her heart was still in Millen and at Johnson Chapel. She remained a member in good standing. Together, C. J. and Laura bore eight children. Laura was preceded in death by her husband C. J., three children (Arelia, Jimmy, and Auburn), grandson (Jermaine Orrington), and four siblings (Phyllis Burke, Bennie Bell, Buford Bell, and Brooks Bell, Jr.).
Laura was a member of the O.E.S. Spring Fountain Chapter #278, where she served faithfully in several
offices/roles and remained active until relocating to Atlanta. She was still a member in good standing.
Being the wife of a farmer and mother of eight children, Laura's main job was taking care of her home and family.
She did not seek work outside of the home until all her children were "of age". When she did seek an "outside job", she found fulfilment and enjoyment as a Cook / "Lunchroom Lady" at the local Elementary School, where she worked for many years. She absolutely loved her job – and her new-found family of friends – with whom she remained in contact throughout the years.
Laura loved to cook! But her true passion was flowers and plants!! Ferns, ferns, and more ferns!! She could tell you the "real" name of just about any plant!! And she prided herself in being able to grow a flower from a "pinch" from someone else's. She also loved planting, tending, and harvesting her garden – especially those collard greens! In a good year, she could supply the entire community with collard greens!
Remaining to cherish wonderful memories are Laura's daughters: Ann Orrington, Charlene Thompson, Patricia Jones, and Cynthia Tate (Jeff); her son: Charlie Jones; grandchildren: Tylisha Jones, Eric Orrington (Ryan), Gemayel Thompson, Jennifer Jones, Phillip Jones, and Aaron Tate; great grand-daughter: Lauralyn Orrington; sister: Mildred Potts; brother: Harvey Bell; daughter-in-law: Grace Ann Jones; "cousin-like-a-sister": Lois Handberry Kirkland; two "adopted daughters": Cheryl Williams (Bervin) and Crystal Davis; "adopted granddaughter": Keturah Brown (Addison); and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Visitation will be Tuesday, September 10th at James A. Kirkland Mortuary from 1-6 p.m. Family will return at 5:00 p.m. for Eastern Star Ceremony.