Martha Caroline Livingston "DeDe" Jones

Martha Caroline Livingston “DeDe” Jones passed away on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

A Decatur, GA, native, Martha was the daughter of the late Henry and Agnes Livingston.

Martha spent much of her life in Asheville, NC, where she met her husband, Elbert “Spot” Jones, while the two were working at the VA. Together, they built a home in 1960 that would become the heart of their family for generations. Martha continued to live in that same home throughout her life.

Affectionately known as “DeDe” to her grandchildren, Martha devoted her life to caring for those she loved. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures, whether spending summers at the Amelia Island Lighthouse in Fernandina Beach, FL, watching the birds, tending to her flowers and plants, or keeping her spoiled dogs in line. She was a devoted wife to Spot, even when that devotion meant making a trip to pick up his Powerball tickets, a task she never enjoyed but did anyway.

Martha was a longtime member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, where her faith remained a guiding force throughout her life. Her devotion to her family was equally steadfast. She was a constant presence in the lives of her grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to show them her love. Her selfless heart extended well beyond her immediate family, and she never shied away from an opportunity to offer wisdom, encouragement, or a little advice to her grandchildren and their friends.

DeDe was a competitor at heart, particularly around the Marbles table, though she could occasionally be persuaded to let someone else win in exchange for a good back scratch. Those who knew her will remember her quiet strength, generous spirit, and the countless ways, both big and small, that she showed her love for others.

Martha was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Elbert “Spot” Jones; her son, Tom Jones; and her siblings, Henry, Jr., Edgar, and Agnes.

She is survived by her daughter, Kelly Jones, and her husband, Gary; her grandchildren, Ryan, Carson (Whitney), Landon (Rose), Emma (Jack), and Aliyah Jones; and her great-grandchildren, Paxton, Lyla, Charlotte, and Eloise.

DeDe’s legacy lives on in the family she loved so dearly and in the many lives she touched through her kindness, wisdom, and generosity. Her family will carry forward the example she set through her faith, selfless heart, and unwavering devotion to those around her.

A Celebration of Life honoring Dede will be held on Friday, November 6, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. at Groce Funeral Home, 1401 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28806. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate the beautiful life of a woman who meant so much to so many.

Private burial will take place at Bosque Bello Cemetery, Fernandina Beach, FL.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Black Mountain Home For Children.

We would like to thank all of you who showed DeDe so much love.