Deaconess Karlene T. Jones, nee Wagner, Fredericksburg, VA

Deaconess Karlene T. Jones, 63, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, with her devoted and loving husband Edgar and family at her side. A Christian woman of uncommon strength and dignity, Karlene's life is an inspiration to all who have been fortunate enough to know her.

Born in Kingston, PA, on November 13, 1959, to the late Karl and Geraldine Wagner, Karlene studied at Bishop O'Rielly High School before graduating from Bloomsburg University with a degree in Special Education in 1981. Soon thereafter, Karlene moved to Northern Virginia, which was to be her lifelong home. There she began her teaching career with King George County, eventually taking a position with Spotsylvania County in 1986. In the course of her 37 year career, Mrs. Jones, as she is known to her students, touched the lives of many as she helped special-needs students, and their families, to learn and thrive, before retiring in 2018.

Deaconess Jones met her future husband, Deacon Edgar Lammar Jones, while teaching in King George. Together they embarked on a 37-year celebration of life, enjoying travel, camping, the company of countless friends, their faith, and, most of all, their family. They are blessed with two daughters, Briana Jones  and Kendra Jones-Jeter, (husband Brevin Jeter), and a son, Rialand Jones (wife, Brandy Jones).

Diagnosed with cancer in 2008, Karlene quietly and courageously fought the disease, all the while living life to the fullest and inspiring and encouraging others to do the same.

In addition to her children and husband, Deaconess Jones is survived by her siblings, Lloyd S. Wagner, Bert Wagner and Shara Flederbach and husband, Al Flederbach. She is also survived by the her grandchildren, Kalani, Angelo, Lynden, Piper, and Benjamin. Also surviving are her dear and special friends Sharon Jeter, and Lynn Nageotte.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to her Salem Baptist Church family, and Dr. Maurer and staff for providing Deaconess Jones with exceptional and compassionate care.

A visitation will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home, 200 Butternut Drive, Fredericksburg, VA, on Monday, July 24, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and one hour before the funeral service. A funeral service will be at Salem Baptist Church, 12262 Salem Church Road, King George, VA, on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at 11:00 AM with viewing one hour prior. The Reverend Leonard G. Bland will officiate the service.