Lucy Mae (Shackelford) Jones

Lucy Mae (Shackelford) Jones, age 95, of Botkins, OH, formerly of Middlesboro, KY, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 4, 2025. She was born on August 22, 1930, at home in Ferndale, KY, to Thomas and Bessie (Helton) Shackelford, who preceded her in death.

Lucy was known for her incredible green thumb. Her garden flourished under her attentive care, and her ability to grow anything was admired by all who knew her. Beyond her gifts in gardening, she was an excellent cook, particularly celebrated for her delicious biscuits that delighted the tastebuds of family and friends alike. Her Chicken and Dumplins completely disappeared at each church homecoming. Her passion for sewing and quilt making showcased her creativity and dedication, each stitch crafted with the attention and care she showed to those around her. A peacemaker by nature, Lucy brought calm to the relationships in her life. She cherished her family above all else.

A woman of deep faith, she dedicated many years to teaching Sunday school at Ferndale Missionary Baptist Church, leaving a profound and lasting impression on her young students. Among those students were Jesse Buell and Murphy Buell, who maintained their admiration for her and even spoke in her honor at her 80th birthday celebration. Her light shone bright, extending her influence way beyond the classroom; her prayers lead her own father, and most likely many others, to Christ.

In addition to her parents, Lucy was preceded in death by her husband, Preacher Raymond Earl Jones; son, Joseph Michinder Jones; siblings, Arnold Shackelford, Charlie Shackelford, William Shackelford, Walter Shackelford, Mary Richard, Loraine Phipps, Jesse Shackelford, Clyde Shackelford, Rachel Shackelford, Shirlen Shackelford, and Paul Shackelford.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Marcus Raymond (Allison) Jones, of Lima, OH, Joyce Evelyn (Jones) Freytag of Botkins, OH, and Chester Lafayette Jones of Wapakoneta, OH; grandchildren: Joseph (Elizabeth) Jones, Luke (Anna) Jones, Audrey Jones (Nicholas Hager), Shawn Spade, Alan (Robin) Buffenbarger, and Brittany Jones; great-grandchildren: Luna, Aurora, Stella, Clara, Madelyn, Nora, Jennah, Kyleigh, Lexi, Rory, Leelyn, Kallan, and Amija; siblings: Leola Phipps, Sylvia Evans, and Leonard Shackelford; special friends: Frank and Esther Mason, Clara Schwartz, and Michelle Yant; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

The family of Lucy Mae (Shackelford) Jones will receive friends on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Cawood Funeral Home Chapel, Middlesboro, KY. Funeral services will immediately follow at 3:00 p.m. with Reverend Dale Jones, Ben Lee, and Jerry Marcum presiding. Music will be provided by Ginger Jones, Courtney Jones, Rachel Mason, and the Red Oak Baptist Church Choir.

At the conclusion of the funeral service, family and friends will travel in procession to Jones Cemetery, Middlesboro, KY, where graveside services will be held.

Pallbearers will be Shawn Spade, Gwen Cheek, Mike Mason, Frank Mason, Mitchell Green, and Melissa Green. Honorary Pallbearers will be Alan Buffenbarger, Luke Jones, and Joseph Jones.

Online register book and condolences are available at www.cawoodfh.com.

All arrangements for Lucy Mae (Shackelford) Jones are under the care of Cawood Funeral Home, Middlesboro, KY.