Ramona Karen Jones

Ramona Karen Bryant Jones, age 67, of Leesburg, FL, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, at Leesburg Regional Medical Center on Friday, September 25, 2020. Known as "G" to many who loved her best, Ramona was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, cousin, and friend. Born in 1953 in Dade City, Florida, Ramona graduated from Ocala High School, where she had met her forever one-and-only, her sweetheart and soul mate, Clyde. After dating for two years, they married in 1971, soon after Ramona graduated. In 1975 she began 21 years of service to her family and the United States of America as a proud Air Force wife. As she and her family traveled around the world together, Ramona successfully balanced multiple roles in addition to that of expert homemaker: she served as foster mom, school bus driver, childcare provider, scout troop leader, homeroom mother, manager of Jim Massey's Dry Cleaning, contract administrator, and dance mom. In 2004, Ramona and Clyde returned home to central Florida to reunite with family and loved ones in their retirement. G was GRACIOUS. She spoke the love language of hospitality, hosting and cooking and baking for everyone around her in every season, for any reason, or for no reason at all. She loved to celebrate the successes of her family with food, fun, and festive treats, and she knew exactly how to keep every single guest comfortable, full, and satisfied at her famous parties and get-togethers. G was GENEROUS, always providing an open door, an open table, and an open heart. At every holiday, no matter where she was in her 18 separate moves around the world, everyone who knew Ramona knew they had a place to go. Around her, no one ever went without. With intuition and instincts like no other, she sensed the needs of those around her and did everything in her power to fulfill those needs: a pound cake, a hug, a pat on the back, a trip to the market, a visit from Mama or a stern talking-to. (After all, remember: If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy, and this ain't Burger King so you might not have it your way!) Throughout her life, family and friends of all ages relied on Ramona to know what to do and how to connect them with what they needed-especially when what they needed most was each other. G was a GIVER, and she was GIFTED. She had an unmatched creative flair that she expressed over the years through her indulgent recipe creations, ornately decorated cakes, delicate calligraphy, festive party décor, and elaborate, spirited contests and games. Her mind was always active, searching for the next opportunity to design and create something bright, beautiful, colorful, and fun for those she loved. G was GENTLE and GENUINE. She was GOODNESS. She was joy, light, and love, and her life is celebrated through love that lives on. Ramona is survived by her best friend and devoted husband of 49 years, Clyde H. Jones, Jr.; adoring daughters Christi Jones, Candace (Chad) Boeninger, and Courtney Jones; her mother, Maxine Mosley; her father, Robert Courtland Bryant; her "big little" brother, Leroy Mosley; her dearly loved double-first cousin, Gail (Kirk Williams) Bryant; her half-sister, Christine (Rex) Jones; her half-brother, Steven Arrocena; the ten precious grandchildren who were her pride and joy: Jordan Jones, Taylor Woods, Clay Boeninger, R. Bryant Woods, Cole Boeninger, Dillan McDonald, Carter Boeninger, Uriah Jones, Elliet McDonald, and Camden Boeninger; sisters-in-law Vivian (Lowell) Slider and Ouida Jones; her very special friend Debra Walters; and numerous other family members and friends who knew and loved Ramona and Clyde over the years. A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 5th, 1000am, at the First Baptist Church of Lacoochee, FL with Reverend Tony Hoffman officiating. A graveside service will follow immediately at the Lacoochee Community Cemetery adjacent to the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the United Serviceman's Organization (USO) or the charity of your choice in honor of Ramona's legacy of love.

Ramona Karen Jones

February 6, 1953 - September 25, 2020