Elizabeth Anne “Libby” Mercer Jones, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, and faithful Christian, died August 26, 2026, at the age of 89.
Libby was born in Borden Springs, Alabama, to Joe and Mary Ellen Mercer. She graduated from Jacksonville State University and began her career teaching English in Huntsville.
It was in Huntsville, at a wedding, that she met the love of her life, Raymond B. “Ray” Jones. Their meeting began a marriage and partnership that spanned more than six decades. Libby loved spending time with Ray, whom she often called “Precious,” and being by his side was one of her greatest joys. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, hospitality, and service to others.
Libby brought an unmistakable joy and energy wherever she went. She was vibrant and bubbly, warm and loving, sometimes silly, and never particularly afraid to be a little bit of a showboat. She loved people and had a gift for making them feel welcome. Hospitality was not simply something she practiced; it was part of who she was. She was always thinking of someone else—someone to encourage, someone to visit, someone to invite in, or someone who might need a friend.
Her Christian faith was at the center of her life. Libby was an accomplished Bible class teacher and participated in Bible studies throughout her life. She loved gospel singing and was blessed with a beautiful voice. She particularly enjoyed visiting older people, offering them the same warmth, attention, and companionship she gave so naturally to family and friends.
Perhaps nowhere was Libby’s love more evident than in her family. She adored her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She treasured family dinners, vacations, holidays, and simply any time they could spend together.
Libby loved to travel and especially loved being “where the palm trees sway,” but she also treasured the simple beauty of home—sitting on the front porch swing and looking out over the farm. She loved family and church gatherings, laughter, and being surrounded by the people she loved.
Libby was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Raymond B. Jones.
She is survived by her three children, Lisa Yokley (Mark), May Patterson (Mike), and Raymond B. Jones, Jr. (Kristy); her grandchildren, Elizabeth Ogden, Allison England (Carter), Caroline Glombowski (Jake), William Patterson (Samantha), Bryant Patterson, Raymond Jones III, and Katherine Jones; and her great-grandchildren, Walter and Everett England, Ellie Kate and Abigail Ogden, and Elise and Wesley Glombowski. She is also survived by her sister, Francis Strickland, and her two sisters-in-law, Betsy Lowe and Carolyn Blue, and her special long-time friend, Ruth Jefferson.
Libby’s family will remember many things about her: her energy, laughter, singing, hospitality, love of people, devotion to Ray, and above all, her love for her precious family. They will remember a woman whose Christian faith was not merely something she professed, but something she lived—with joy, generosity and love.
Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Mayfair Church of Christ. The service will follow at the church with the Rev. Gary Bradley officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.
