Davida Jones

Davida Jones, age 64, passed away peacefully May 26th, 2021 due to aggressive cancer. She was born in March 1957 in New Orleans, LA to David and Marilyn Irby. She married her longtime friend and love, Randall Jones, in October of 1979.

Davida was a unique human being, brilliant, hilarious and a bit eccentric.  She was described by her nephew as “funny and quirky and wicked smart”.  She had a dry sense of humor and was always quick with a retort.  She was a witty introvert, and we were grateful when we could laugh with her.

Her high school years were spent at Jackson Central Merry High School in Jackson, Tn.  Following high school, she attended Union University graduating in 1980 with a BA in Sociology.  In 1992 she graduated from Tennessee State University earning a Master’s Degree in English Literature.

Davida was brilliant and had an affinity for words.  In 1994 she was contracted by the Oxford English Dictionary to validate over 300 references to poet, Arthur Hugh Clough and is credited for her contribution.  Davida also taught English at the secondary school level and at Tennessee State University.

Davida is survived by her husband Randall Jones; daughter Frances Kendrick (Charles); mother Marilyn Irby; sister Marabeth Smith (Julie); sister Dara Holloway (Ron); grandchildren, Elaine Warrick, Guinnevere Smothers, Sophia Kendrick; nephews Brad Smith (Hope), Nat Strimpopulos (Pearl).  She is preceded in death by her father Dr. David Irby.  All of these she loved and touched deeply.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to

ASPCA.org

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