Joyce Amanda (Jones) Wilson

Joyce Amanda Jones Wilson, 79, died Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Lexington Premier Nursing and Rehab in Lexington, KY. A proud native of Sharpsburg, KY, Joyce was born on October 30, 1946, to the late Smith “Buddy” Jones, Jr., and Mattie Florence Boyd Jones. Until her health failed, Joyce was an active and devoted member of Greater First Baptist Church, Sharpsburg, KY. She once served as a Junior Usher and was a member of the Missionary Society. 

Joyce attended Bath County Schools and was later united in marriage to the late Thomas Wilson. Upon the passing of her sister, Phyllis Jones, Joyce and Tommy raised Phyllis’s two sons, Brian and Kevin Jones, as their own bonus sons. She was a homemaker for many years and was always in demand as a loving babysitter to many families in Sharpsburg, Mt. Sterling, and surrounding areas. After her husband’s death, Joyce moved to Lexington and worked as a nanny for many years. 

In addition to her genuine love for children, Joyce was quite the diva who was always decked out in the latest colorful fashions, hairstyles, and jewelry. She was also an excellent cook and pastry chef known for her blackberry jam cakes, which she often gave with love as prized Christmas gifts. Joyce’s considerable culinary skills resulted in her recipes being included in several local publications. Blessed with a pleasing personality, a great sense of humor, and the gift of gab, Joyce never met a stranger and was well-loved by her many special lifelong friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Joyce was preceded in death by her sister, Phyllis Jones, brother-in-law Lewis J. Clemons, and bonus granddaughter Kiara Jones. She leaves a plethora of family and friends to cherish her memory, including her bonus sons, Brian Jones of Richmond, KY, and Kevin Jones of Carlisle, KY; brothers Charles “Smitty” Jones (Sue) of Nicholasville, KY; William “Billy” Jones (Jefello) of Dayton, OH; Robert “Bobby” Jones (Jennifer) of Lexington; and Quentin Jones of Lexington; sister-in-law Ruth Ann Clemons and special niece Theresa L. Clemons Bennefield (Samuel), both of Jacksonville, FL; and a bevy of bonus grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joyce was also loved by a countless number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Funeral services commence at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 7, at Greater First Baptist Church in Sharpsburg, KY, with visitation from 11:00 a.m. until time of service. Interment will be at Lincolnview Cemetery in Mt. Sterling. Arrangements are entrusted to Richardson Funeral Home in Owingsville, KY.

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