Jeannine McDonald Jones

April 3, 2026. As dusk fell on the rainy Good Friday, a beautiful double rainbow appeared against the dark skies over Avis Jeannine McDonald Jones’ home, and within the hour she died peacefully. 

Jeannine was born in Russellville, Ark., on Oct. 19, 1931. She was for 53 years the beloved wife of Dr. Samuel H Jones, Jr., the love of her life and her very best friend. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and a loyal and trusted friend to those who were fortunate to have made her acquaintance. From a very young age and throughout her 94 years, she loved deeply and proved as one who never quit. She was wise, brave, and tenacious, strengthened daily by her unwavering Christian faith. 

Jeannine gained early attention as a singer and was embraced in leading music circles. After graduating high school in Louisville, Ky., she had a brief period of study at the Metropolitan Opera under tutelage of Frieda Hempel. 

Through her work in musical and theatrical circles, she formed friendships with Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Dana Andrews, and Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, with whom she would occasionally dine. 

Her music career culminated with foreign travels with United Service Organization USO/Bob Hope Tour during the Korean War, where she most enjoyed hearing stories from Hope and Crosby, her own personal On The Road tale.

Jeannine accepted a full ride scholarship to Furman University in Greenville, SC. While there, she studied vocal performance and performed regularly with The Furman Singers and productions of the music and theatre departments. 

After graduating Furman University with honors, she married the love of her life, a pivotal choice that forged foundation for years of commitment and service to her husband, her two girls, and the Dothan community. 

Jeannine taught school for several years in the Atlanta public school system, supporting her husband as he worked through Emory University School of Medicine. After moving to Dothan, Jeannine offered service to the Medical Auxiliary and Dothan Service League. She was a member of local garden clubs and Dothan Kiwanis Club. Jeannine served as choir director of First Presbyterian Church, where she also led Sunday School classes and devotionals. She directed music and chorus for many Southeast Alabama Community Theatre productions. She enjoyed the opportunity to offer private vocal instruction to several students.

Curious and always eager to learn, Jeannine surprised her family when she hopped behind the wheel of a pickup truck and learned to drive a horse trailer to and from AQHA horse shows. During this period, she was an active member of local Boots and Saddle Club. In the next decade of life, she surprised her family again announcing her desire become a Realtor and worked for years with Century 21 Hanahan Realty. 

Jeannine is preceded in death by her husband, Dr Samuel Hovey Jones Jr, daughters Susan and Lynda, parents Erwin Lawrence McDonald and Mary Elsie McDonald, and sister Judy Carole Lucas. 

She is survived by her children, Rebecca Maglio (Brian) and Alison Jones Creekbaum, and grandchildren Kelsey Lauren Maglio and Andrew Martin Maglio (Hannah.)

Jeannine will be remembered for her candor, her quick wit, her remarkable intuition and formidable tacit knowledge. She will be remembered by family for her deep capacity for unconditional love and for leading with her Christian faith in her role as wife and mother.

A Celebration of life will be held graveside at Ward Wilson Memory Hill, Dothan, Alabama on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. with the Reverend Dr. David R. Saliba and the Reverend Lynn Smilie Nesbitt officiating.

The family respectfully requests in lieu of flowers donations be made to:

First United Methodist Church Youth Music Program

1380 West Main Street 

Dothan, AL 36301

Furman University Department of Music

Emory University School of Medicine Scholarship & Support for Students

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