Marilyn Bailey Evans-Jones, 92, of Jacksonville, Florida, died peacefully at home on Friday, July 23, 2021

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
August 1, 2021

Former Amelia Island resident and elected Republican legislator Marilyn Evans Jones passed away peacefully on July 23, 2021, at her daughter Cecile Rider’s home in Jacksonville, FL. She was 92 years old. Known to many as the Godmother of Nassau County Republicans, Evans Jones enjoyed a rich life full of family, politics and good works in the community.

She was the subject of an hour-long interview conducted by the Florida State Archives as part of their ongoing oral history program featuring former legislators. The documentary premiered in 2013 at Osprey Village and was attended by many local Republican legislators who were indebted to her for her guidance and campaigning in their political pursuits.  To learn more about this event and the honoree, click here.

Marilyn’s ties to Amelia Island date to 1981, when she married Fernandina Beach Mayor Edward Jones. Soon thereafter, she moved to Amelia Island, where she lived until advancing years brought about her decision to move in with her daughter and family in Jacksonville.
Her 90th birthday party, held at Epping Forest, was a celebration of her incredibly full life and besides her family, included those she counted as friends from all stages of her life and career.

As a woman of deep religious faith, Marilyn was active in the Amelia Plantation Chapel. She also devoted many hours to the community.   She was instrumental in the creation of Micah’s Place, a shelter for battered spouses.  Her volunteer activities were recognized through awards such as the Eve Award for Volunteer Services in 2004 and the Heart of Gold Award for Senior Volunteer Activity in 2007.

Marilyn was predeceased by her husband, Edward Jones of Fernandina Beach, Florida; her first husband, Hugh Evans of Melbourne, Florida; and her sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Graham McGehee of Jacksonville, Florida.

A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at the Amelia Plantation Chapel, 36 Bowman Road, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32904. To help protect others, guests are requested to wear a mask. The service will also be available online.

A Committal Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32207, beginning at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Legacy Lodge and concluding at the graveside. To help protect others, guests are requested to wear a mask.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Micah’s Place, 474311 E State Rd 200, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034; micahsplace.org/donate/ and to Pregnancy Resources, 165 N. Babcock St, Melbourne, FL 32935; pregnancyresourcesmelbourne.com/donate.

To read a full obituary of this most extraordinary woman, click here.