Beverly Ruth Jones

WEST COLUMBIA – Beverly Ruth Jones, 69, lost her battle with colon cancer Tuesday, September 21, 2021. She was born April 4, 1952, in Florence, SC, to Donald Felix Jones and Barbara Rush. She is survived by her stepmother Nancy Jones of Olanta; sons Chad Keller (Jennifer) of Lexington and Justin Keller (Donna) of Blythewood; six grandchildren: Nicholas, Elena, Matthew, Peyton, Logan and Lily; and brother Gary Jones of Moncks Corner. She was predeceased in death by her parents and brother Donald Francis Jones. Beverly loved mystery novels, the sound of the ocean, Whitman’s samplers, crossword puzzles, Motown, (mildly) inappropriate jokes, game shows (especially Jeopardy), board games and, most of all, her sons and grandchildren. She had the joy of caring for her small grandchildren for several years after retiring, teaching them a love for climbing trees, swimming in lakes and eating Vienna sausages. All echoes of her childhood. Beverly was a homebody who was happiest with her family. She shared many stories of growing up on her grandparents’ farm, her beloved Aunt Beverly (her namesake) and her daddy whom she adored. She left South Carolina as a young Army wife and traveled to places most people only dream of, including Alaska, Hawaii and the Marshall Islands. In the tropical paradise of Kwajalein, she rode bikes with her children to the beach and swam in crystal blue water. Her greatest accomplishment was raising two rambunctious boys. Ruffians who broke every figurine she ever owned and ate up all her snacks (Justin). She had a talent for cooking and created fine cuisine, although she was dismayed to learn that her sons’ favorite was a simple dish jokingly named “hamburger slop over rice” by their father. And that her youngest journaled this for his entire fourth grade class to hear. Beverly didn’t have much, but she made the most of what she had. When she didn’t have much money for Christmas presents, she gifted her grandchildren with adventure novels that featured them as the main characters. She also made countless clothes and costumes to her grandchildren’s delight. Her greatest joy was making baby clothes and blankets, and for a while she sold her wares through an Etsy shop. But a lot of items she gave away, including the head coverings she made for women going through cancer treatment. Beverly beat breast cancer – twice. She was stubborn, a fighter. Fiercely independent and never afraid to do something for herself, whether it was building an enclosure on the back of her house or fixing her car window that wouldn’t roll up. She never shied from a struggle or a debate, but she had a tender heart. A kind gesture would reduce her to tears. If there was one word to describe Beverly, it would be strong. She always stuck to her convictions, worked for what she needed, and sacrificed for what she wanted. She was complicated and compassionate. Frustrating and fascinating. She was loved. And she’ll be missed. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society online at https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate/memorial-giving.html or by mail to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 42040, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123.