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Muriel Thompkins Jones


Sunrise: February 18, 1928

Sunset: October 8, 2020

Life and Legacy

MURIEL JEAN TOMPKINS JONES was born February 18, 1928 in Norfolk, Virginia, to the late Fred Nan and Rosa Belle Taylor Tompkins.  She was the youngest of eight children from this union. While visiting her granddaughter and her family in Atlanta, Georgia, she transitioned quickly and peacefully from natural causes on Thursday, October 8, 2020, after 92 years of earthly life. Her daughter, great granddaughter, and son-in-law by her side.  She was preceded in death by her seven siblings and beloved husband, George Edward Jones, Sr., who transitioned September 7, 2015.

Muriel’s humble beginnings started in the Huntersville and Lindenwood neighborhoods of Norfolk, where she shared a close bond with her parents, siblings and cousins. The family had a mutual love and respect for one another that was evident whenever they were together. She attended the Norfolk Public Schools (NPS), with advanced grade level placement for above average academic achievement in elementary school. While in high school, she continued to excel academically, was a member of the cheerleading squad, and enjoyed membership within several school organizations. Graduating from Booker T. Washington High School (BTW) in 1944, she was continually active with the BTW Reunion Classes of 1944 and 1945. As Class Sponsor of the BTW Class of 1957, Muriel kept in touch with many of the class members throughout the years, often attending their class reunions and celebrations.

After graduating from high school, Muriel attended Hampton Institute, now Hampton University. In 1948, she was awarded her B.S. degree with highest honors in Business Education and returned to Hampton, where she received her Master’s in the same field. Muriel began her teaching career by returning to her high school alma mater, as a business teacher. Also included in the many years of service with NPS were her teaching assignments at Jacox, James Madison, Willard, and Northside Middle Schools. In 1989, Muriel retired from Norfolk Public Schools in administration as Dean of Students.

Muriel’s early Christian Education was at Norfolk’s Bank Street Memorial Baptist Church. During her teenage years, she joined Mount Olive Baptist Church in the Lindenwood neighborhood, where she remained a faithful member for nearly 80 years. Muriel’s dedicated service at Mt. Olive included participation in several ministries such as the Youth Advisory Council, Ethel T. Meyers Missionary Circle, Trustee Ministry (Financial Secretary), By-laws Committee, Bible Study, and President Emeritus of the Golden Years Ministry. This year, she became a Life Membership recipient of the Women’s Ministry of the Baptist General Convention of Virginia.

On December 7, 1948, Muriel wed the love of her life, George E. Jones, and to this union were born the joys of their lives, Adrienne Denise and George Jr. During their marriage of 66 years, Muriel and George passionately raised and supported their children. She was the quintessential mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, extremely rich in her love and consistent with moral encouragement for her children. Family was Muriel’s greatest treasure. She treasured holiday family gatherings, including family vacations and celebrations. In addition, she treasured a variety of relationships with extended family members, identifying her mentees as her “Other Sons and Daughters”. Without hesitation, she generously gave of her time, love, and support, freely and without hesitation to others. Muriel enjoyed boating and fishing, social gatherings with friends, high school/college and family reunions, domestic and international travel, as well as touring with the Golden Years Ministry. During her retired years, highlights of her social calendar consisted of activities and events with the Coronado Civic League, her Booker T. Washington High School classmates, and members of the Golden Years Ministry.

Precious memories will always remain with her loving daughter Adrienne Denise Jones Taylor (Glenn); son George Edward Jones, Jr. (Michelle); Granddaughter Kimberly Lorelle Taylor Livsey (Robert); Grandsons Ryan Alexander Taylor and Justin Alexander Jones; Great Granddaughter Taylor Denise Livsey; and a host of loving relatives, Godchildren, neighbors, church family and friends.

As expressed in Muriel’s beloved Hampton University’s Alma Mater, her life did the singing and in service her great spirit will prolong.

Viewing Friday, October 23, 2020 2:00pm - 6:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 7246 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23505 Service WATCH SERVICE LIVE ONLINE Saturday, October 24, 2020 11:00am Metropolitan Funeral Service Granby Chapel Interment Roosevelt Memorial Park 1101 Campostella Road Chesapeake, VA 23320 The family is following the CDC and State of Virginia guidelines for funeral attendance

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Condolences(10)

  1. reply
    Barbara Silver says

    Adrienne and George, I am so saddened by the news of your moms passing. She was truly a wonderful ,caring , loving person . We shared many conversations about the Lord, life, and just things in general. I will fondly remember the Bible studies held at her home where a group of us would congregate and fellowship. Mrs Jones was always welcoming and had a beautiful spirit. I loved her like a mother ! Even at her age, she always knew my voice when I phoned Please know, I am praying for the family .

  2. reply
    Wanda says

    R.I.P my friend and patient I enjoyed our conversation and will miss you dearly!! GOD has another Angel!!

  3. reply
    Yvonne Hayes Wiggins says

    Sending my deepest condolences to you & your family Adrienne in the passing of your Mother
    I’ll always remember her from Mt. Olive

  4. reply
    Su says

    Rip Ms . Jones. job well done !!

  5. reply
    Valerie Jones says

    Adrienne,
    Thinking of you and wishing you courage to help see you through, day by day –
    I hope your memories will warm your heart always and bring you much comfort.
    God Bless

  6. reply
    James and Michele McCoy says

    We offer our sincere condolences to the family. A mothers love is precious and we know she will be missed. May God bless you with peace and may your mother rest in heaven.

  7. reply
    Terri Tompkins Whitaker says

    Sending my dearest condolences to my cousins. My Aunt Muriel will be missed so much. She has been a matriarch for our family, and has lead with strength, integrity, and love. Her legacy of providing and sustaining tradition in our lives. I thank you for all that you have given.
    Your great niece,
    Terri Tompkins Whitaker

  8. reply
    Randy and Marion Baker says

    Praying Gods peace and comfort for your family during this time and strength for the days ahead.

  9. reply
    Dorothy Ann Williams says

    Adrienne, George & Fam you are in my thoughts & prayers. The memory of Mrs Jones will forever be in my heart. She was a blessing to me, my fam & countless others. God blessed us with an angel. Praying your strength through this season.
    Sincerely, Ann Williams ?

  10. reply
    Sharon and Kevin Curran says

    Adrienne, Glenn, Kimberly,Robert, Taylor and Ryan,
    I am truly sad to learn of your mother/grandmothers passing. I know she was loved by all of you and will be missed by everyone who knew her. I had the pleasure of meeting her one Thanksgiving several years ago and had the opportunity to share our love of teaching. Please know I share and understand your grief having lost my parents many years ago. Treasure her memory.

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