Lydia Ilene Jones

OBITUARY

Lydia Jones, born on July 5th, 1954, in Brooklyn, New York, was the daughter of Geraldine and Denis Smith. Growing up in a Christian household with her four siblings, Lydia's life was firmly grounded in her faith from an early age.

Lydia's educational journey began in the New York City public school system, where she was an exceptional student at P.S. 11 Elementary School and Rothschild Junior High School. She graduated from Lafayette High School in Brooklyn and pursued further studies in Health and Science at City College.

At 14, Lydia embraced Jesus Christ as her Savior at Miller Memorial Church of the Nazarene. Under the guidance of Rev. Clarence Jacobs, she developed a deep love for God and active participation in church life. Lydia's dedication to her faith never wavered. Throughout her youth and adulthood, she took on various ministry and leadership responsibilities, including serving in The Nazarene Young People's Society, volunteering as a Sunday School Teacher, a Children's Choir Director, and a Missionary President. Driven by her love for children, music, and Jesus, she also dedicated over 30 years to serving faithfully at Vacation Bible School and the Children's Program at Camp Taconic. 

Lydia's passion for singing was expressed through her participation in various choirs, including the Church Choir, The Gospel Teens Choir, His Creation, and The Crusaders Choir. Beyond her vocal talents, she was also a gifted songwriter, creating many songs of faith that she cherished and shared with family and close friends.

Lydia's talents went far beyond her spiritual endeavors. She was a skilled seamstress, frequently designing and sewing her own clothes, and a dedicated baker, whose cakes became the highlight of many celebrations. Professionally, Lydia had a diverse career, working at The New York Experience, serving as a driving instructor at The Taggart Driving School, and eventually becoming a license examiner at the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles.

By divine providence, Lydia found the love of her life at Miller Memorial Church. Their journey began as a childhood friendship, which gradually blossomed into a beautiful and profound love story. Lydia and Basil Jones were united in marriage in 1982. Together, they lovingly nurtured and raised two children, Bradley and Jillian, passing on to them the same enduring love for God that had always bound their hearts.

Her life was not without challenges, including caring for her mother after several strokes, and fighting her own recurring battles with cancer and congestive heart failure. Despite everything she faced, Lydia never wavered in her love for GOD and her desire to serve His Kingdom. Evangelism was her passion and she never missed an opportunity to boldly proclaim the goodness of GOD to family, friends, and complete strangers. As an ‘Ambassador for Christ’, Lydia challenged anyone to try Jesus. She remained a steadfast witness to her last day, sharing His love with everyone she encountered. She was, indeed, a walking miracle.

On Sunday, June 23rd, 2024, Lydia was called home to glory. She left this world singing praises to her King, embodying the deep connection she maintained with Jesus, her Savior, throughout her life. 

Lydia's testimony to us is clear: Follow Christ, trust in His guidance, and never give up. No matter the circumstance or challenge, Lydia would always say, ‘...but GOD!’. Her life exemplified the words of 2 Timothy 4:7-8: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing."

Lydia is predeceased by her parents, Denis and Geraldine Smith, her sister Gwendolyn Smith, and her brother Denis Lester Smith. She is survived by her husband Basil Jones, her son Bradley and daughter-in-love Tamara Jones, and her daughter Jillian and son-in-love Vishon Garcia, Sr. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren Zaria, Morgan, Vishon Jr., Dylan, Blake, and Adonis. Lydia is deeply mourned by her sister, Judy Davis, and her brother, Charles Smith, Sr. She is also remembered with love by the Smith and Jones family, including her siblings-in-love, as well as a large extended family of nieces, nephews, great-grandnieces, great-grandnephews, cousins, and friends.

Lydia's life was a brilliant beacon of faith, love, and unwavering devotion to Jesus. Her joyful spirit and radiant smile reflected her profound belief that with God, all things are possible. Though her presence will be deeply missed, her life and legacy will continue to inspire all who were blessed enough to know her.