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John Thurston Jones, 87, former superintendent of Brunswick County Schools

John Thurston Jones

SHALLOTTE — John Thurston Jones, 87, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020, at Brunswick Novant Hospital.

John was born Jan. 6, 1933, in Columbus County, the son of the late Daniel V. Jones and Elizabeth Mae Long Jones. He was also preceded in death by his brother, D.V. Jones; sisters, Velma J. Herren, Mattie J. Grice, Dorothy J. Peterson, Lillian J. Walters and Helen J. Kelly.

Mr. Jones was a 1951 graduate of Whiteville High School and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Science with a minor in physical education from Elon College and a master’s degree from Appalachian State University. He also earned advanced certificates from University of North Carolina and ASU. He taught in the Columbus County Schools and was a principal in Davie County, Greenville City and Thomasville City Schools. He was superintendent of Montgomery County Schools, Scotland County Schools and Brunswick County Schools. He faithfully served his country in the U.S. Army.

He served on the board of trustees of Brunswick Community College for 16 years and was honored with the title of trustee emeritus. He was very community oriented. He was a Rotarian for 50 years and was awarded the Rotary Paul Harris Fellow. He was also a member of the executive board of Cape Fear Boy Scouts of America and the board of Higher Education of Methodist Colleges. Mr. Jones was an active member of Camp United Methodist Church, where he served in many leadership roles.

Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Carolyn Abernathy Jones; daughter, Angela Jones Lawrence of Shallotte; son, Jon Christopher Jones of Florida; and two grandsons, Brice Lawrence and Dakota Jones.

In lieu of a traditional visitation, a memory journal will be available from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the Narthex of Camp United Methodist Church, 4807 Main St., Shallotte. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 28, in the columbarium the church. In accordance with CDC guidelines, social distancing and masks are required.

The family would like memorials be directed to the Journey to Freedom, Camp United Methodist Church, P.O Box 776, Shallotte, NC 28459.

Share online condolences with the family at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation.

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