Mary Frances Sullivan Jones was born on June 24, 1934, in Gainesboro, Tennessee, and passed away on August 23, 2022, in Centerville, Tennessee. She was 88 years old.

She is the daughter of the late John Burgess Gaither and Mary Campbell Gaither.

She was also preceded in death by her husband of 35 years William Victor Sullivan, sisters Ruby Williams and Patricia Green, and stepdaughter Barbara Jo Roever.

She is survived by her husband of 17 years William “Bill” Thomas Jones of Ohio. Daughter Lana (Brent) Beard of Centerville, Tennessee. Son William Randall (Beth) Sullivan of Mayfield, Kentucky. Brother John B. Gaither of Gallatin, Tennessee. Sister Sandra Pitchford of Mountain Home, Arkansas. She was “Nani” to 7 Grandchildren and 8 Great-Grandchildren. She also leaves behind many other relatives, friends, and loved ones.

Mrs. Jones had a bachelor’s degree in home economics. Before becoming a full-time homemaker, She worked for the Martha White Flour Company. She would make the cakes and treats that would be presented during live commercials for the Grand Ole Opry. On occasion, she would also have speaking parts on the radio for their advertisements.

She was a member of the North Jackson Church of Christ for 67 years. For 40 of those years, she taught a ladies Bible class. She went on 13 mission trips to Ukraine. She also served on the board of the Jackson Christian School.

Frances loved to travel and had to been to all 50 states at least once, and almost all of them twice. She also went to many other countries. She continued to travel up into her 80s. She also liked to sew.

She will be missed dearly by all of her family, friends, and church family.  Visitation with the family will be 28 August 2022 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM at Highland Memorial Gardens, 3360 N. Highland Blvd, Jackson, TN with Graveside Services to begin at 4:00 PM at Highland Memorial Gardens.  

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the J.B. and Mary Gaither Scholarship Fund at Freed Hardeman University.