Mary J. Jones

Mary Josephine Cochrane Jones of Charlotte, NC, won her battle and went home to rest with Jesus on June 19, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Mary was born on July 12, 1941, in Forest City, NC, to the late Charles Herbert Cochrane Sr. and Mary Frances Cochrane. She was one of six children and a proud graduate of North Mecklenburg High School, Class of 1959.

Mary was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, homemaker, and retired bookkeeper. She was known by many names—Memaw, Meem, Mimi—and was cherished in each role. She attended Oak Grove Baptist Church with her daughter when able and followed services online in recent years.

One of Mary’s greatest joys in life was working in her garden. With a natural green thumb and a nurturing spirit, she poured her heart into every flower she planted and every seed she sowed. Her yard was a vibrant reflection of her love and care, filled with blooming azaleas, colorful hydrangeas, fragrant roses. Gardening wasn’t just a hobby for Mary—it was her peaceful retreat, her creative outlet, and a way she connected with God’s creation. She found deep fulfillment in the simple beauty of nature which she passed on to her children and grandchildren. Her garden was a place of laughter, learning, and love—a legacy that will live on in the lives she touched.

Mary also loved spending time with her beloved husband and family, whom she treasured more than anything in this world.

She was preceded in death by her two brothers, Steven Bruce Cochrane and Charles Herbert Cochrane, Jr.

Mary is survived by her husband of 64 years, Everette Jones; three children: Bret Jones of New Smyrna Beach, FL; Judith Strickland (Bruce) of Shannon, MS; and Sheila Sciascia (Glenn) of Waxhaw, NC; ten grandchildren: Michael, Sam, William, Renee, Lauren, Grace, Vinny, Brucie, Noah, and Zeke; and nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters, Alice Harris of Morganton, NC and Cindy Stack of Kannapolis, NC; one brother, Jackie Cochrane (Cheryl) of Huntersville, NC; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who loved and cherished her.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, from 10:00–11:00 AM at Oak Grove Baptist Church, 4013 New Town Road, Waxhaw, NC 28173. A celebration of life service will follow immediately at the church, officiated by Reverend Rich Myers. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens, 8901 Lawyers Road, NC.

Mary’s grandchildren will honor her as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Oak Grove Baptist Church or the Humane Society of North Carolina, causes close to Mary’s heart.