Audrey Jones

Audrey Elizabeth Robicheaux Jones, daughter of Clayo and Osita Bourque Robicheaux, was born on November 26, 1926, in New Iberia, Louisiana. On Tuesday, September 6, 2022, at 12:57 PM, as if she had planned it all, she laid back in the recliner to take a nap and woke up in Heaven! Her life of ninety-five years was destined for that moment!

At the young age of twelve, Audrey ventured out on her own. She proved early on that she was resilient and determined. At the age of sixteen, she married Russell Dean Jones. They were married for sixty-two years. They had five children—Marimarvell (Mary) Goldsmith, Hazel Baker, Aubrey D. Jones, William M. (Tuffy) Jones, and David W. Jones.

Being born into a French/Cajun family (Robicheaux), she learned at an early age to love the food of south Louisiana. And she became quite a cook of Cajun and Southern food. She never lost her love for that food—to cook lots of it and always have leftovers.

Audrey was a firm but loving mother to her children. She wanted them to learn the values and morals that would help them be upstanding Christians. But her love for God motivated her to instill those same values in the lives of other children. She found a place of ministry by teaching Sunday School at the United Pentecostal Church, now known as The Lighthouse Church, of West Columbia. Perhaps several hundreds of children have passed through her Sunday School classes and been impacted by her teaching. And though she retired from being a Sunday School teacher many years ago, young children were still drawn to her—they felt her love and strength. Only eternity will tell the magnitude of her ministry in those young lives.

She was also a fervent worker in the church in Ladies Ministry. She knew how to help organize and get the job done—meals for others, bake sales, garage sales, picking up children and bringing them to church and Sunday School, door-knocking to tell others about Jesus—whatever was needed at the time, Audrey Jones was all in!

Over the past few years, Audrey was very involved in The Lighthouse Church’s Bible reading program—BREAD. She started reading her Bible every January and by early February, she was finished. But she never stopped! She simply started over and usually completed reading the Bible multiple times a year. Notes found in her Bible, in her handwriting, say that in 1992, she read the Bible eighteen times! In 2010, she read it through twenty-two times. Her Bible here on the table is testimony of its frequent touch by Audrey Jones’ hands.

She also anxiously awaited each year for the Bible Revival weeklong event at the church. Her turn to read was always on Friday when the Bible would be brought to her home. What a great time for those who were blessed to sit and hear her read the Word of God with so much feeling. We will miss you next year, Sister Jones. Your time for reading on Friday afternoon, April 14, 2023, about 2:00, will be a reminder to us of your love for His Word.

The leading force in Audrey’s life was because she had a true relationship with her friend, Jesus Christ. She committed herself to Him at an early age, and that relationship only grew stronger through the years. She developed a prayer life that kept her in constant contact with Jesus—she was definitely a “prayer warrior.”Her family was her primary focus, but she surely didn’t limit her prayers to just them—most, if not all, of you here today have probably been prayed for by this lady. In recent years, she began to pray that Jesus would take her home—to Heaven. She wanted to see her Friend! He answered her desire on this past Tuesday afternoon.

Although life difficulties and the loss of numerous loved ones definitely took their toll on Audrey, she never wavered in her commitment and relationship to God. And even when church attendance became rather difficult, she learned that watching church on Livestream was not a bad idea! In fact, she was possibly the most faithful “attendant” for everything at The Lighthouse Church—as long as she could get that Livestream connection going. So, she continued to have church, at home, until the very end.

Audrey was preceded in death by her parents, Clayo and Osita Robicheaux; her husband, Russell Jones; daughter, Mary Goldsmith; son, William Jones; and granddaughter, Sheila (Sissy) Goldsmith.

Those left behind to carry on her legacy include her daughter, Hazel Baker; sons, Aubrey Jones (Tina), and David Jones (Kay); eighteen grandchildren; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; and eighteen great-great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers are Robert Herzberg, Bryan and Ryan Jones, James Jones, Michael Jones, Russell Jones, and Thomas Jones. Honorary pallbearers are Pete Balbas, Brandon Browning, Cameron Clements, Dylan Delgado, Dave Herzberg, and Dustin Herzberg.

The family wishes to thank everyone for your prayers, your visits, and your concern. She knew you loved her, and she loved each of you. One of her requests was that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Lighthouse Church in her memory.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 13, 2022, prior to the services.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. at The Lighthouse Church, 501 W. Brazos Ave., in West Columbia with Pastor Danny Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at Cedar Lawn Haven of Rest Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of C.T. Baker & Sons Funeral Home, West Columbia, Texas.