Margaret Jones

Mrs. Margaret S. Pelfrey Jones was born September 29, 1925 and lovingly adored by her parents the late Rowan County Judge Illa E. Pelfrey and Post Mistress Cora Mocabee Pelfrey. They raised her at the multi-generational Old Homeplace Farm on Christy Creek Road.  Margaret was a long awaited arrival and commanded a great deal of doting and attention but with respect for faith, family, values and education.  She began school at the Breckenridge Training School and she was double promoted from first to second grade.  She later attended and graduated Morehead High School in 1941.  She entered the Morehead State Teachers college and began her elementary teaching career at Ditney Ridge, Seas Branch and final tenure at the Elliottville Elementary beside the family home.  She then became a stay-at-home-mother to her children Douglas and Patricia at the same dwelling where she resided for her 90 plus years. She was married to A. H. “Hardy” Jones in a double wedding ceremony with his brother Walton and wife Delores.  They were devoted to one another for 55 years and she celebrated life with him and their many ventures of faith, family and friends. They were a striking and well-loved couple.

Margaret was highly involved with her children’s lives supporting them in all their endeavors whether Boy and Girl Scouts, sports, music, forensics, and was always the room Mother and PTA officer at either the Rowan County Public Schools for Doug or University Breckenridge for Patti. Once her children entered their secondary school years she decided to go back to work and became a fixture in the Registrar’s Office at Morehead State University (MSU).  She loved working with the university students on campus and eventually retired from MSU as the Veteran’s Affairs Coordinator.

Margaret was involved in many community development organizations over the years among which were the Order Of Eastern Star, Rowan County Historical Society, Morehead Day Homemakers and Progressive Women, Republican Women’s Club and the Ky. RECC Scholarship Committee. In her days since Hardy’s passing she helped organize the” Birthday Girls” and they enjoyed many months of fellowship and support for one another.

Margaret shared a very strong faith with high ideals. She professed her faith and was baptized into a life- long fellowship with the Morehead First Baptist Church at the age of 14.  She worked tirelessly to support the Pine Grove and Elliottville FBC Missions and helped as an original charter for the Elliottville Mission to become an independent church.   She was blessed to have two church families. The family farm often hosted the VBS picnics and socials as well as the site of many school parties for friends of Doug and Patti.  Their home was always open to all their many friends and hospitality was a treat for the “townies” to come to the country.  Margaret loved decorating and antiquing was her passion.

After her retirement form MSU she began working with her son at DJ’s Clothier for Men in Trademore Center.  She could “sell snowballs to an Eskimo,” but made her many customers feel good about it with her impeccable taste for style and value.  She enjoyed her days working there with the public as well as family buying trips.

Margaret is survived by her son Doug (Jackie) Jones and daughter Patti (Ralph) Derrickson.  Grandchildren include Justin Vince Derrickson, Amy Leigh Jones (David) Timoney of Lexington, Brian Scott (Tameron) Derrickson and Casey Alan Derrickson of Morehead.  Growing up, they spent many wonderful days with “Mammaw Margaret” and “Pappaw Hardy” on the farm where they were treated to tractor rides, big breakfasts and Imaginary games under the towering front yard trees and adjoining creeks.  Margaret and Hardy never embarked on a trip without asking their grandkids to go along.  The great-grandchildren include Aubrey Lynn Derrickson, Paxton, and his twin brothers Chaz and Zaiden Derrickson.

Margaret is survived by a community of loved ones and her canine companion who provided much support for her independent living, ”Gracie”

The visitation will be held Wednesday April 13 from 5:00 -9:00 pm at the Michael R. Gray Funeral Home in Morehead.  The Celebration Of Life service will be on Thursday April 14 at the First Baptist Church at 123 East Main at 1:00 pm.  There will also be a visitation between 12:00 noon and until the service Thursday at the church.  Burial will be in the family plot of the Brown Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to First Baptist Church, Morehead, The Rowan County Schools Family Resource Center Weekend Food Program or Christian Social Services.

The Michael R. Gray Funeral Home in Morehead is caring for all arrangements.