Waverly Jones

Our dad, Waverly Jones, died the day prior to the next big celebration in our lives. His 80th birthday. 

Another opportunity to celebrate the profound impact he continued to have on all who know and love him.  Of his lasting, steadfast, and gracious presence in so many lives.  Our dad loved a celebration.

So we choose to celebrate.  He would want it no other way.  He was his happiest when surrounded by family and friends and meeting soon-to-be friends.

You may have come to know our dad as a scrappy kid from Fultz, Kentucky.  Or through his siblings, Janice, Joyce, J.D., and Barb.  Maybe he caught your eye at Rowan County High School, where he was named “best groomed” whose best asset were his “baby blue eyes” (a smitten classmate, Deloris Baldridge, could attest).  

Perhaps you met more recently and know him as a loving and effusive grandfather to three graceful, talented, kind, and resilient girls.  Morgan, Meredith, and Waverly.  The stories of his unwavering commitment and devotion to his girls are legendary.

Maybe you know him as a Christian. An Air Force veteran.  A quiet leader.  Dedicated runner.  Landscaper.  Carpenter.  Cook (or a housekeeper).  Hotelier.  Winter Texan.  Cyclist.  Steady hand.  Graceful advocate.

Clarence Waverly Jones was all these things—and so much more.

Dad was a loving partner, vocal supporter, and beloved husband to Deloris Baldridge Jones for 61 years.  He continually cheered her successes.  He gladly turned any spotlight toward her. Every adventure was by her side.  He playfully sought out ways to challenge her self-imposed limits (RV camping and 50-mile bike rides come to mind). They, with seemingly few personality traits in common, created an inspiring life together. An original love story filled with laughter, respect, and unwavering devotion.

The difficulties of a new normal, following a lifetime dedicated to good decisions and a focus on their health and fitness, were met with determination and grit.   

On Sunday, February 5, 2023, Dad passed peacefully from complications related to his decade long battle with Parkinson’s.  No doubt joyful in his heavenly reunion with loving parents Clarence and Nellie Jones, and Janice, his gracious sister. 

Rest assured he’s still celebrating, and he’d strongly urge us to celebrate as well.  We take comfort in his reunion with dear friends not seen in some time.  He has undoubtedly reunited with Harold and Barb White, bright stars in his world, and with so many who meant so much to him.

Instead of flowers, our dad would hope that you seek out ways to share an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness.  Instead of flowers, he would hope that you consider an offering to the First Baptist Church of Morehead, Kentucky.  The church helped form his foundational friendship with the late Don Mantooth.  Watching them work together on a project was a master class of skill, determination, and laughter.

Knowing and loving each and every one of you was our dad’s success story.  Long live the beauty and grace of Clarence Waverly Jones.

His loving children,

Stephen (Jenny) and Monica (Jamie)

A celebration of Waverly’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, February 10, 2023, at the First Baptist Church, 123 E. Main Street, Morehead, KY 40351 with Rev. Aaron Coyle-Carr , Minister, and Ray White, Eulogist.  Immediately following the service, family will receive friends at a reception in the Mantooth Fellowship Hall. 

A private burial for family will be held Friday morning at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens with military honors presented by Morehead American Legion Post 126. 

Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351 is caring for arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.northcuttandson.com  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Waverly Jones, please visit our floral store.