Dessella Hammett Jones

Dessella Hammett Jones, 87, passed into the arms of her Savior in heaven on Sunday morning, April 16, 2023, after a long battle and complications with diabetes. She was born on March 3, 1936, in Hapeville, Georgia, to George Walter and Grady Gay Hammett. Her beloved father died after a lengthy illness when Dessella was just 13 years old and despite many hardships, she and her brothers, sister, and sweet mother forged a deep bond with each other and an optimistic outlook, strengthened by their faith in Christ.

She went on to graduate from Hapeville High School and began working for Delta Airlines. Her dream was to become a stewardess and travel around the world, but her plans changed when she met Bowen Jones. She said, "I chose him above being a stewardess and I've never regretted it!" She and Bowen worked alongside each other for many years at the family business, Jones Equipment Co. in Garden City, GA, and were married for 64 wonderful years! They lovingly raised four children, have three wonderful sons-in-law, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

To know Dessella Jones, was to love her. Her vivacious personality captivated all who knew her. She cherished and cultivated many friendships. She loved to talk and tell stories, and was known to tell a corny joke or two. Her social calendar was full with friends from church, her neighborhood of Garden City, the Jaycettes, Garden Club, and Red Hat Society. She was an active member of Chapel-in-the-Gardens Presbyterian Church since 1960, where she served in the Women in the Church and was the founding teacher of Chapel Christian School where she taught Kindergarten for 13 years. She also served as a den mother for her son's Cub Scout troop, a Girl Scout leader for her daughters’ troop, Band Backer treasurer for her daughters in the marching band, and frequently helped out with children's activities at church. Whether through school, church, community, or her own extended family, she impacted many young lives and instilled in them a lifelong love of learning.

She was a skilled seamstress and made many clothes for her children and grandchildren including Easter dresses, Prom dresses, concert dresses for her daughters, and matching dresses for her granddaughters. She loved the color purple and no outfit was complete without her lipstick. She loved hot fudge sundaes and Diet Coke! She was also a bargain shopper who took pride in finding the best deals! She was a gracious hostess who frequently opened her home to visiting missionaries, church youth groups, or anyone who needed a home-cooked meal and lively conversation. She loved to laugh and she loved people.

In her later years, Dessella and Bowen continued to serve their community together with the Good News Club at local elementary schools, sharing the love of Christ. She also enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels with Bowen to shut-ins for a number of years. She was famous for her coconut pies which she would prepare in advance and then freeze so she’d always have one ready to take to someone who was grieving or recovering from an illness.

Dessella is preceded in death by her parents; her three brothers, Wilford, George, and Wendell Hammett, and her beloved great-granddaughter, Cali Chambers. She is survived by her husband, Bowen; son, Stephen Jones of Jacksonville, FL; daughter, Suzanne Hearn (Bryan) of Suwanee, GA; daughter, Pam Freeman (Jason) of Guyton, GA; daughter, Penny Chambers (Larry) of Grayson, GA; and sister, Daisy Jo Rickett of Atlanta, GA. Also, grandchildren, Austin Freeman (Hannah), Matt Freeman (Ally), Anna Freeman; Jay Chambers, Amy Shaffer (Josh), Rebekah Chambers; Elizabeth Hearn
(Leon), and Savannah Hearn. She is also survived by her great-grandson, Jax Chambers, three sisters-in-law, a brother-in-law and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

The family will receive visitors Friday, April 21, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at the Baker McCullough Funeral Home, Garden City Chapel, 2794 West US Highway 80, Garden City, GA 31408.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 22 at 11:00 a.m. at Chapel-in-the-Gardens Presbyterian Church, 93 Main Street, Garden City, GA.

Graveside Service will be held on Monday, April 24 at 10:00 a.m. at Hillcrest Abbey West Cemetery, 1336 Dean Forest Road, Garden City, GA.

If you would like to make a donation in memory of Dessella, here are some suggestions:
Free Wheelchair Mission
Presbyterian Church of America
Good News Clubs
Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ)
Mission to the World

Please sign our online guestbook at www.bakermccullough.com

Services have been entrusted to Baker McCullough Funeral Home Garden City Chapel, 2794 West US Highway 80 Garden City, GA 31408. (912) 964-2862. www.bakermccullough.com