Obituaries

Elsie Marie Billingsley “Nonnie” Jones, 95, of Whitwell, Tennessee, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on April 7, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Born on January 20, 1931, in Whitwell, she was the cherished daughter of William Alvin Billingsley and Sally Moore Billingsley. Elsie married the love of her life, Mack Vernon “Jonsie” Jones, and together they shared an extraordinary 71 years of marriage. A devoted wife and a wonderful homemaker, she poured her heart into caring for her family and creating a home filled with warmth, love, and the comforting aroma of her famous chicken and dumplings. A faithful member of Freewill Baptist Church, Elsie lived her life with grace, kindness, and a deep love for the Lord. She enjoyed quilting, canning, tending to her flowers, going to church, and spending peaceful moments on her front porch. Her dog, Luna, Precious, and Ginger, brought her great joy, as did every moment spent with her family and grandchildren. To meet Elsie was to be welcomed as family. She had a rare gift for making others feel seen, loved, and at home. Her gentle spirit, generous heart, and unwavering devotion to those she loved will be remembered by all who were blessed to know her. Elsie’s legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, the traditions she passed down, and the love she gave so freely.

Elsie is preceded in death by her father, William Alvin Billingsley; mother, Sally Moore Billingsley; husband, Mack Vernon “Jonsie” Jones; sons, Wayne Jones, Kenneth Jones; daughter, Patricia Rector, daughter-in-law, Peggy Jones; several brothers; sisters, Lucille Mosley, Clara Russell; granddaughter, Marilda Pittman; grandsons, Cliff Rector, and Cody Jones.

Left to cherish her memories are her son, Lavoy “Bo” Jones; daughter, Drenda Pittman; daughter-in-law, Jody Jones who she loved as a daughter; grandchildren, Burgess Perry, MeShon Scott, Vanessa Thacker, Christie Rector, Leslie Jones, Travis Jones, Tiffany (Blake) Downey, Tabby Lance Hatfield, Ricky Jones; 27 great grandchildren, many, many, great great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, other family members and special friends.

Visitation is Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm CST and on Friday, April 10, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm CST at Tate Funeral Home in Jasper, Tennessee.

Funeral services are on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 3:00 pm CST in the Chapel of Tate Funeral Home in Jasper, Tennessee with Brother Frank Young officiating.

Elsie will be laid to rest on Saturday, April 10, 2026, at Caroline’s Chapel Cemetery in Whitwell, Tennessee immediately following the funeral service.

Pallbearers are Travis Jones, Dakota Brown, Tristan Beene, Dakota Jordan, Riley Tate, and Kaden Baker.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Tate Funeral Home, LLC, 950 Mel Dixon Lane, Jasper, Tennessee 37347, 423-942-9500.