Janet Mary (Lent) Jones

UTICA- Mrs. Janet Mary (Lent) Jones, age 77, passed away on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, in the comfort and dignity of her daughter Laura’s home and surrounded by her loved ones. Janet was born in Vernon, NY on November 3, 1945, to the late Edward and Ethel (Copperwheat) Lent. She was a graduate of the 1964 class of Vernon Verona High School. In her mid-twenties she moved to the Utica area to make her home. On August 24, 1965, she married the love of her life, Aaron Jones, who passed away on August 20, 2016, just 4 days prior to their 51st wedding anniversary. Janet and Aaron truly loved one another, and were a great example of good parents, they knew how to share love within their family. Janet worked for many years as the Ward Clerk at the Emergency Room at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. She was a true caregiver on many levels, and intentionally chose this field of work to help others. Later she returned to work at Eden Park Nursing Home, a quaint facility where she loved the people she served and excelled in her positions. Janet was full of compassion and hospitality, always mindful of the needs of those around her. However, she was never afraid to speak the truth—right was right and wrong was wrong and she did not hesitate to say so! Her life centered around her family and their needs. Janet had a very outgoing personality and was always doting on her children, in everything from breakfast in bed to memorable camping expeditions. As parents, Janet and Aaron were always encouraging, and were always their children’s biggest fans. She was selfless to the core, and never thought of things as a “sacrifice” but was happy to serve. In turn, her children learned to reciprocate their love, respect, and “roses” during their own lifetimes. Janet was always ready for any conversation, whether that meant a bit of humor or a wise word. The coffee pot was always on, and the front door of their Dudley Ave. home was always open and spoke volumes about the kind of love and guidance that was communicated over the kitchen table or on the front porch. Many get-togethers were celebrated with backyard cookouts and parties. The Jones’ home was a meeting place where all were welcomed and received with love and hugs. She was an exceptional cook and made sure to pass those skills on to her girls. She could make anything from soul food, to the best sauce and meatballs. Janet always stayed busy with something, whether it be knitting, sewing, crocheting, or playing Skip-Bo with her daughter Tammi. She showed no partiality when it came to her girls; she loved them each equally and individually. She was a true believer in the Lord, and shared those beliefs with her loved ones. Janet is survived by her daughters and their loves, Sandra Howell (and her late husband Skip), Tammi Jones and Cleveland Leggions, Kelly King and Leon McLean, Laura Campbell and Andre Walker, and Carrie Craig (and her late husband Havy Craig). Janet was the most beloved “Mema” to her grandchildren, Michael Jones, Marlon Green, and the late Nicholas Howell and his wife Jasmine; Matthew King, the late Joshua King, Shawnty McCall; Darzell King, Denzell and Jennifer King, Dominique Bethea, Donielle McLean, and Michael King; Darius Wright, Diarra Critain, Paul Campbell, Paula Campbell, and Andre Walker, Jr.; Rolston Harvey and Chrystal, Quindell Harvey and Alyssa, and Trinity Jones; as well as a host of great-grandchildren. She is additionally survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Pat Lent; brothers-in-law, Lanny Jackson, and Brock Bickon. She was predeceased by her siblings and their loves, Dorothy Jackson, Edward and Sandra Lent, and Daisy Bickon. Additionally she leaves numerous loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Minnie Hodges, and Mazell Jones. She was blessed with a wonderful relationship with Aleda Miton and her late mother, Beverly Miton, whom she held in her heart. She was predeceased by her in-laws, Linnie Wells, Jewel Mosley, James Jones, Grace Conway. The family would like to extend a special “thank you” to the staff at Valley Health Services and MVHS at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, who were wonderful caregivers. The kindest of care came from her daughters, as well as Karen and Sara, who were as precious to her as daughters. Janet’s family celebrated her life privately.

Janet Mary (Lent) Jones

November 3, 1945 - December 6, 2022