Evelyn (Price) Jones

Evelyn Price Jones, age 86, of Jefferson, went home to Jesus, her Lord and Savior, on September 26, 2022. Evelyn was born in Whitetop, VA on January 12, 1936, to Mitchell Dan and Zola Kilby Price, being delivered by her future father-in-law, Dr. Dean C. Jones, Sr.

Evelyn grew up primarily in Whitetop.  She attended both Lutheran and Baptist churches while young, but was a member of Jefferson United Methodist Church since the early 1960’s. Her faith was solid and sustained her throughout her life.  She completed high school at Konnarock Training School and attended Emory and Henry College.  She entered nurse’s training at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, VA.  Then, while interning at Ashe Memorial Hospital, her future mother-in-law, Lettie Wagoner Jones, introduced Evelyn to Dean C. Jones, Jr.  She always claimed “he stole a few French fries” from her and asked her out on a date.  However, it was clear to all that they stole each other’s heart.  They married on August 14, 1955, became lifelong partners and lovingly supported each other for 54 years before he went to his heavenly home in 2009.

Together, Evelyn and Dean C. had five children; plus, she was “like a mom” to countless others.  She drove many miles and worked many hours supporting her children and numerous other children in athletic, dance, band, gymnastics and pageant events.  She was known as an accomplished seamstress and made many clothes, but also created school costumes, cheerleading and band uniforms, pageant gowns and other competition garments.  In later years she served as a judge for multiple pageants and talent competitions, most commonly with the Miss American Star organization.

To support her children and the schools they attended, Evelyn was active in multiple PTA organizations, the Ashe Central Band Boosters and the Panther Club.  She was also a leader with the Girl Scouts having served as Board Member of the Catawba Valley Girl Scout Council for many years, and led a group, known as the Wyoming Trekkers, on an extended wilderness backpacking trip.

Evelyn’s commitment to serving people, and the community in which she lived, led her to help organize and volunteer with the early county-wide rescue squad/first responders in Ashe County.  Throughout the years she was active in: Ashe Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Junior Woman’s Club, the American Heart Association, the Red Cross, the Ashe Historical Society and many church related activities.  Evelyn served on the Board of Directors for the Konnarock Training School Preservation Society and was active in the initial restoration effort for the campus.  The school was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1997 and is now under the stewardship of the Blue Ridge Discovery Center.  She met many of her lifelong friends in the Bridge Club and Ashe County Dance Club.

Evelyn was cofounder of two local businesses:  Nature’s Way Health Food Store and Ashe High Country Realty.  Evelyn was known for conducting all her business activities with utmost ethics and integrity, always guided by “the golden rule”.

Evelyn was known by many names: PEP, Duck, Sis, Ev, Miss Evelyn, Aunt Ebby, Miss Ebbie, Big E, Mom, and Mother.  However, her favorite name was Nunner, which is what her grandchildren, and many friends, called her for nearly 40 years.

She lived what she believed and passed on to her family: “to whom much is given, much is expected”.  She always knew her success came from the Lord.  She accomplished much during her life; however she remained kind, generous and humble throughout her life.

Evelyn was predeceased by her parents: Dan and Zola Price; her husband: Dean C Jones, Jr.; her stepmother: Louise Neal Price; her brothers: Robert Carson Price and Daniel Gayle Price; daughter-in-law: Robin Barker Jones; nephew: Mitchell Price;and niece: Robin Michelle Price.

Evelyn is survived by her brother Paul (Reuben)Price & wife, Sharon; her sister-in-law, Cornetta Price; her stepsister, Gwen N. Ashley; her children: Phyllis Yount & husband Keith, David Jones, Tom Jones & wife Leigh Bradley, Charles Jones & wife Debbie, Linda Patterson & husband Dale.  Also surviving are her 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, 9 nieces and nephews, and many very special friends.

A Celebration of Life service will be held 1:00 pm on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at Jefferson United Methodist Church.  A brief time of gathering with family and friends will immediately follow in the church fellowship hall.  Interment will follow at Ashelawn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in Evelyn’s memory to:

Jefferson UMC Legacy Fund, P.O. Box 236, Jefferson, NC 28640  or

Ashe Memorial Hospital Foundation, 200 Hospital Avenue, Jefferson, NC 28640.