RICE, May 11 – Virginia Lockett Morris Jones passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, May 10, 2010, at her home on the Poor House Farm in Rice. Affectionately known as “Big Mama” by friends and family and “Prissy” by her grand-children, she was born on June 21, 1921, the daughter of James Willie Morris Sr. and Gladys Garnett Morris, of Burkeville. She was preceded in death by her husband, C. L. Jones Jr.

She is survived by two sons, William G. Jones M.D. and wife, Carolyn of Gladys and Robert M. Jones of Rice; two granddaughters, Mary Catherine Martin M.D. and husband, Adam of Greensboro, N.C. and Dr. Anne Morris Jones of Richmond; and a brother, James Willie Morris Jr. and wife, Mary Ann of Burkeville.

After graduating from State Teachers College (Longwood University), she taught school in Amelia, Nottoway, Dinwiddie, and Prince Edward counties, and retired from Prince Edward Academy. She was an active member of Sharon Baptist Church, having served in various positions including Sunday school teacher and most recently as Church Clerk.

With a keen interest in history and genealogy, she was an active member of and held various offices in the Farmville/Prince Edward Historical Society, United Daughters of the Confederacy, and Daughters of the American Revolution. She was recently involved in editing a history book entitled Heritage of Prince Edward County. She was also active in Alpha Delta Kappa, Farmville Woman's Club, Ruth Adams Garden Club, the Farm Bureau Women's Committee, and Rebekkah Lodge. Her love for her flowers was only exceeded by her love for her students, friends, and family.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 13, at 11 a.m. at Sharon Baptist Church, Rice, with burial in Sunset Cemetery in Burkeville.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 12, from 6-8 p.m. at Puckett Funeral Home.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions, please consider Sharon Baptist Church or Fuqua School.

Puckett Funeral Home, Farmville, is in charge of arrangements.

www.puckettfh.com