Lillian W. Lill Jones

Lillian “Lill” (Walker) Jones, of Perrysburg, Ohio, died on Tuesday, January 28, 2014 with her right hand held by her daughter and her left hand held by the love of her life. She was 85. Born on December 20, 1928 in Mayland, Tennessee, Lillian was the seventh of James and Fannie (Neeley) Walker’s nine children. She became a folk dancer and singer during her years at Pleasant Hill Academy and played point guard for its basketball team. In 1949, she graduated from the Fort Sanders School of Nursing. That same year, on October 7, Lill married Dr. Ralph Jones. She worked as a registered nurse at the Veteran’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee and Saint Vincent’s Hospital in Toledo, Ohio before becoming the full-time mother of their two children. With a drawl that softened only slightly by her years away from the hills, Lill was a picture-perfect blend of old-school elegance, Tennessee charm, southern hospitality, and Midwestern warmth. She was a sage seamstress, a big hugger, and a convivial hostess, and she grew the most beautiful gardenias in town. But more than all of that, she unconditionally loved and ardently supported her family. Lill was also a world traveler, a polite tennis player, an avid angler, and a seasoned deer hunter. She knew no strangers and enjoyed at least three lifetimes’ worth of long, close friendships. Lill was the last of the Walkers from Mayland, Tennessee. She is survived by her husband, Ralph Jones; daughter, Lynn (Jeff) Alvanos; and son, Tim (Debbie) Jones. “Nanni” was also a proud grandmother of Ryan (Stephanie) Alvanos, Matt Alvanos (Ashley Zieroff), and Mike (Maria) Jones. She went on to become the loving great-grandmother of Martin Alvanos and Logan, Julia, and Elise Jones. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Hospice of Northwest Ohio or the Cherry Street Mission. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being coordinated by Witzler Shank Funeral Home, (419)874-3133 in Perrysburg, Ohio. Online condolences may be left at www.witzlershank.com.