Mrs. Sheila Jones, 66, of Jacksonville, Illinois, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. 

Sheila was born April 13, 1958, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, the daughter of Lester, who resides in Heaven now, and Colleen “Jackie” Utley. She married the love of her life Pastor Karl R. Jones on May 1, 1977, in Jacksonville, He preceded her onto Heaven on July 21, 2016

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She is survived by two daughters whom she loved dearly, Gretchen Tonellato (husband, Joe) of Jacksonville and Elizabeth Lamb (husband, Jared) of Schererville, Indiana, as well as three lovely granddaughters Lyric Cadence Lamb, Samantha Faithann Tonellato, and Aria Caprice Lamb. She is also survived by her brother, Roger Utley (wife, Becky), niece Kathy (husband, Doug) Fauth and nephew Don (wife, Mary Ann) Utley and their families.

She became a born-again Christian at the age of seven by praying with her mom at her childhood home in Missouri. She was later baptized in the family church. Sheila lived for the Lord and served Him for the rest of her life. Her godly testimony is impeccable. She possessed great wisdom, strength, beauty, confidence, and a calm disposition many would find intimidating. She was a great teacher and leader; she truly exemplified the Proverbs 31 woman. Proverbs 31:28 says, “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” Sheila owned and operated Merle Norman Cosmetics for over 40 years. She was an active member of the Lighthouse Baptist Church where she both played the organ and taught Sunday school. She loved reading, playing the piano, and spending time with her family and dear friend Mrs. Kim Patterson. She especially enjoyed her granddaughters.

Sheila will be greatly missed but we know that we will see her again! I Thess. 4:13 states, "But I would not have you to be ignorant brethren concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope." Her prayer would be that everyone know 100 percent for sure that they were going to Heaven.

A home-going service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville, with a burial at Diamond Grove Cemetery in Jacksonville. The family will meet friends at the funeral home from 1 p.m. Thursday until the time of services. In lieu of floral pieces or memorial gifts, Sheila kindly requests monetary donations be generously made to her daughters for the accrued final costs. These are suggested to Lighthouse Baptist Church in Jacksonville. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.