Obituary of Louise Pannell Jones

Mrs. Louise Pannell Jones, of Amityville, New York, departed this life and transitioned home to be with the Lord, on Monday, March 22, 2021. Born July 13, 1928 to Harold and Martha Pannell of Lynchburg, Virginia, she was the third of seven children. She was married to the late Deacon Charlie Jones for 54 years. To this union was born three children: Dianna Louise Jones Crudup of Richmond, Virginia (Willie); Charlotte Elaine Jones Mercer of Amityville, N.Y(deceased) and Martha Lorraine Jones Purifoy of Conley, Georgia. Louise had a very personal relationship with the Lord and was a loyal and dedicated member of the Hollywood Baptist Church of Christ for over 65 years. Louise received her early education in Lynchburg, Virginia, graduating valedictorian of her high school class and began her undergraduate education at Hampton Institute, (now Hampton University) in Hampton, Virginia. She later earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Mitchell College of Long Island; graduating Cum Laude. She earned a Masters' Degree in Counseling from C. W. Post College and was employed by the County of Suffolk for more than twenty five years. While an employee of Suffolk County, Mrs. Jones chaired the Committee that established the RESPITE PROGRAM that continues to grow and service the community. She added to her educational progress with studies at Columbia University, N.Y., and Cornell University's Extension Program, earning an EEO Certificate. She also attended the Coro Institute, earning her certificate of leadership for Women in Public Affairs. She was a community activist, receiving awards and certificates for her leadership from her church and community organizations. Among her many awards are Certificates of Appreciation from the Hollywood Baptist Church of Christ, the Amityville School District, and the Nancy Entenmann's Award of Distinction from the Suffolk County Girl Scouts. Mrs. Jones held life memberships in the Girl Scouts of U.S.A. and the National Urban League. She also held Golden and Heritage Memberships in the N.A.A.C.P., and was the recipient of the National Hampton Alumni Association's Award for Meritorious Alumni Service. As long as she was able, Louise remained active with the Sisters of Greater Long Island, an organization of women whose mission is to provide information, support, and educational services to women and their families, many of whom are breast cancer survivors. Mrs. Jones was a member of the committee to establish a Witness Program in the Town of Babylon, and served on the Board of Visitors of the Sagamore Psychiatric Children's Hospital (a gubernatorial appointment). She was a member and past Suffolk Chapter president of Zonta, an International Organization of Women. Her final position was that of Special Assistant to the Suffolk County Executive for Minority Affairs. While Mrs. Jones received many blessings and much personal satisfaction from her voluntarism, her greatest joy and richest rewards were earned from her 54 years of marriage to her late husband, Deacon Charlie Jones and the professional success of their three daughters. She was a generous and loving grandmother to her 5 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and 2 great, great grandchildren. Ms. Louise, as she was affectionately called by all youngsters, was a very vocal and outspoken mother-figure to every child in the North Amityville area, especially those on Benjoe Drive! Mommy, we promise to mind our manners and to always be respectful to one another and to teach our children the same. We will make you proud! Louise's legacy will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of her remaining 2 daughters, Dianna and Lorraine, two sisters, Marie P. Thurston (Dr. Charles) and Gertrude Snell, both of San Antonio, Texas, a brother, Martin Pannell of Bronx, N.Y and a devoted brother-in-law, Rev. Willie R. Jones of Medford, N.Y. and a host of other close relatives, friends and acquaintances. A memorial service will be held at Slinger-Hasgill Funeral Home on March 5th at 10am. Viewing will be live streamed from 9am to 10am. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Louise Jones name to Hampton University, Sisters of Greater LI, or Hollywood Baptist Church of Christ Sunday School.