Julie Ann Jones

Julie Ann Jones, 66, of Shelbyville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at her home surrounded by her husband and three children.
Julie was born August 17, 1957, in New Albany, the daughter of William R. and Marilyn (Condra) Smith.  On February 24, 1979, she married her husband of 45 years, Gregory D. Jones, and he survives.
Together, Greg and Julie were the parents of three children: sons, Ben Jones and wife, Cortney, of Muncie, and Matt Jones and wife, Jennifer, of Shelbyville; daughter, Abbi Gaines and husband, Charlie, of Greenfield. She was affectionately known as Ma Jones to their grandchildren Blake, Caleb, Maggie, Sam, Max, Cole, Annie and Murphy. Julie is also survived by her sisters, Diana Frank and husband, Art, of Floyds Knobs, and Shelley Smallwood of Fishers; brother, Jeff Smith and wife, Anne, of Indianapolis and numerous nieces and nephews.

Julie was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Bill Smith and Barry Smith; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Dale and Joyce Jones; a niece Natalie Jones, and a nephew, Brent Warnecke. 
In 1975, Julie graduated from Ben Davis High School.

Julie was the heart of her home and family. She spent her early years raising her three children and later caring for her ailing parents. In the next stage of her life, Julie played the role of grandma spending her days babysitting, attending school and sporting events, and hosting sleepovers for her eight grandchildren.   The hard work that Julie put in was not at an office, rather it was the labor of love that she put into her home. Over the years, she hosted many gatherings for family and friends to celebrate holidays, wedding and baby showers, birthdays, and an annual Fourth of July celebration. She made sure each guest felt loved and welcome and that they never left hungry. 
In her free time, Julie enjoyed going shopping, especially with her daughter, visiting with her family and friends, and trying different restaurants. She loved spending time laughing and reminiscing with her two sisters. When at home, she took pleasure in simply sitting in her cozy chair with her dog, Marley, and watching reruns of classic television shows. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a contagious laugh that we already miss hearing. 
Julie loved her family and she cherished the time they spent together creating lasting memories. She and Greg were blessed to spend many vacations on Florida beaches with their children, grandchildren and extended family.

Julie taught her family how to care for each other by the life that she led and this is how we will survive the void that she has left in our lives. As we face hardships and challenges in life, we will be reminded of how hard Julie fought cancer for 5 years, never giving up for the sake of more time to be with her loved ones. She will always be an inspiration to us all. 

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm, Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.
Funeral services at 1 pm, Thursday, June 6, 2024, at the funeral home, with Rev. Dr. Robb Barlow officiating. Inurnment will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Joyce and Dale Jones Family Fund, in care of the Blue River Community Foundation, 54 W. Broadway St., Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.
Online condolences may be shared with Julie’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.