Mrs. Ophelia Rochelle Jones, a wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, friend, teacher, lifelong resident of Guilford County, and a devoted public servant, transitioned to be with the Lord on February 7, 2026, at the age of 82. She was surrounded by love and leaves behind a legacy of leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication to her family and community.

She was born on September 13, 1943, in Greensboro, NC, to the late Grady Fuller and the late Willie Mae Collier Fuller, who preceded her passing. After her father's passing, her mother migrated the family to the town of Massapequa in Long Island, New York. Nana (Willie Mae) vehemently wanted all of her children to attend an HBCU. Ophelia chose to attend Shaw University in Durham, NC, to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics Education. Her HBCU college experience shaped her lifelong commitment to education, civic engagement, and personal growth.

After finishing undergrad, Ophelia met the love of her life, Robert C. Jones, in New York City. After a long courtship, the two tied the knot on the lawn of her mother's home on August 28, 1971. The newlyweds moved to Baltimore, Maryland, and began to work as educators. Robert taught for the school system in Laurel, Maryland, in Prince George's County. Ophelia worked as a teacher for the Baltimore City School System. She attended Bowie State University alongside her husband, and together they earned their Master of Science degrees in Secondary School Administration and Supervision. They also welcomed the birth of their two children in Washington, DC, while living in Maryland.

Robert and Ophelia later moved out of the big city and chose to raise their children in the rural community of Sedalia, NC. Robert had a beautiful stick-built house constructed for his family on two of the 25 acres of the Albert Fuller Estate in 1979, which still stands to this day. Ophelia was finally reconnected to her roots in Guilford County, where she built a life defined by service, learning, faith, and connection.

Ophelia went on to build a successful career in education in Guilford County. She taught in the Guilford County School System and at Guilford Technical Community College. Committed to literacy, she was an Adult Literacy Instructor/Literacy Recruiter. Her last teaching assignment was at Northeast Guilford High School in McLeansville, NC, as a CTE Home Economics teacher. She retired from the Guilford County School System, where she was known for her integrity, strong work ethic, and ability to lead with both intelligence and heart. Her professional accomplishments were matched only by her passion for people and community involvement.

A true world traveler, Ophelia Jones embraced new cultures and experiences, believing that travel broadened understanding and strengthened empathy. Her journeys took her to New Zealand, Japan, Argentina, Brazil, Peru, South Africa, Greece, Egypt, and Mexico, experiences she often shared through stories, wisdom, and encouragement to others—especially her children and grandchildren—to see the world with open minds.

Ophelia's paternal grandfather, Mr. Albert F. Fuller, and father, Mr. Grady Fuller, were instrumental in the development of Bethany Community Church, formally known in the Sedalia community as Bethany United Church of Christ and Bethany Congregational Church. Robert and Ophelia Jones, along with their children, joined the church in the 80's. At Bethany, Ophelia served the church in several key roles as the Publications and Church Announcer, Chairman of the Women's Fellowship, and a member of the Gospel and Chancel choirs. Her husband later became an ordained minister and, at one time, was the Assistant Pastor.

Her dedication to public service culminated in her role as a Town of Sedalia Councilmember, where she proudly served as Mayor Pro Tem and as a Mayor. Ophelia served the Sedalia community in this capacity for six consecutive terms from 2001 to 2026. In this role, she worked tirelessly to advocate for her constituents, promote equity, and strengthen the Sedalia community she loved so deeply. Her leadership was marked by collaboration, fairness, and a genuine commitment to progress.

Above all else, Ophelia R. Jones was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Reverend Robert C. Jones, and her two children, Tanae Jones and Jermaine Jones, and her three cherished grandchildren, Brianna Rascoe, Trinity Rascoe, and Brendan Trey Rascoe, the light of her life. She took immense pride in her family and poured love, guidance, and encouragement into every generation.

Ophelia will be remembered for her class, impeccable style, strength, grace, intellect, and generous spirit. Her impact will continue to be felt through the lives she touched, the policies she helped shape, and the family she so dearly loved.

A celebration of her life will be held on February 20, 2026, at Hargett Funeral Service, Inc., 905 E. Market St, Greensboro, NC from 12-2 pm.