Susan Summers Jones

Rebecca Susan Summers Jones, of Hopewell, Virginia, passed away after a brief illness on April 29, at 80. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, H. Randolph Jones, Jr., and her parents, Paul and Polly Summers. She is survived by her sister, Betsi Garfinkel (Herb); three children, Rebecca Jones Redling (John), Paula Jones Marks (Wirt), and Henry Randolph Jones III (Alisa); and three grandchildren, Dew Redling (Skylyn), Suzi Redling (Trae), and Izzy Jones.
Sue was a loving wife, mother and grandmother; a life-long educator who worked for Hopewell Public Schools for 50 years as an elementary school teacher, administrator, and principal of Dupont and Patrick Copeland Elementary Schools. She was a voracious reader, was seldom seen without a book (or pile of books) nearby; and lover of a great Pinot Noir.
Born in San Antonio, Texas, "nine months after Pearl Harbor," Sue's early life mirrored one of her favorite Dr. Seuss books, "Oh, the Places You'll Go," as she lived in Exmoor and Royersford, Pennsylvania; Fairfax, Virginia; Orange, Texas; Lebanon, Pennsylvania; and Argentia, Newfoundland, before her teenage years. Suzi, as she was known then, and her family eventually settled back in Royersford where she graduated from Spring-Ford Junior and Senior High School in 1960 - having appeared on "American Bandstand" and, depending on the source, possibly filmed for Steve McQueen's "The Blob." She was also a straight-A student, played field hockey and basketball, and was named best dressed and top student in her class.
College began in the fall at Ursinus College, but the boys there "didn't have shoulders," so she transferred to West Chester State College. There, she majored in elementary school education, graduating in 1964, and met the love of her life, Randy.
They married in 1964 and a first teaching job was acquired in Media, Pennsylvania. Soon after, the couple moved to Hopewell, and Sue got her start at Woodlawn School. She also worked at West Broadway Early School, Arlington, Dupont, and Patrick Copeland.
While working as a kindergarten teacher at Patrick Copeland, Sue earned her Master's in Education from Virginia State University - completing her thesis "Helping Parents Understand the Role of Kindergarten Education." A topic that was near and dear her entire life. As an educator, she devoted much of her time and energy to the importance of early childhood instruction and worked to establish relationships between parents and the schools.
After completing her masters in 1977, Sue took on various leadership roles in the Hopewell Schools working at the central office level and serving as principal at both DuPont and Patrick Copeland Elementary Schools. Known for her piles of papers on her desk and floor - "organized chaos" - Sue established herself as one of the hardest working educators in the community, who sometimes - or most of the time, found herself running just a little late. While working at the central office, she found that she missed being in the school and actively engaging with the students and teachers. Some of her fondest memories in education occurred during her tenure as principal. Her staff and the faculty who worked with her knew that for sure it was always all about the kids. Sue never met a child she didn't believe in. If they had a book, she wanted to read it with them. If they didn't have a book, she wanted to give them one. Many in Hopewell may remember that Sue graciously and expertly handled the transition of staff and students into new buildings - opening both of the current DuPont and Patrick Copeland schools. A former student said it best, "Mrs. Jones as my administrator in elementary school led with love, integrity, accountability, and equality."
In retirement, Sue was a member of Nathaniel Cawsey Garden Club, Historic Hopewell Foundation, the Hopewell Twinning Association, St. John's Episcopal Church, and the Alpha Delta Kappa Education Sorority. Sue also continued as a member of her book club and enjoyed meals at local restaurants with her fellow HCPS retirees and a weekly exercise class with friends. She continued to volunteer at local schools, continuing her calling as an educator that saw her help mold thousands of young Hopewellians and mentoring hundreds of teachers.
Sue, or Bama as she was affectionately called by her grandkids and family, was always up for an adventure. She loved reading, learning, building relationships, traveling to the beach with her family, hosting family dinners, and taking trips to Cary to spend time with Izzy and his parents. She enjoyed attending music concerts - finally seeing her favorite, Joan Baez, singing along with Willie Nelson on her 80th birthday, and jamming to her son-in-law's bands. She supported local theater events - especially when her grandchildren were a part of the production. Her smile, her laugh, and her always open ear will be missed dearly.
"Anyone who does anything to help a child in his life is a hero." ~Fred Rogers
The family is planning a celebration of Sue's life from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, July 16, 2023 at the Broadway Building, 236 East Broadway, Hopewell VA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sue Jones "Fearless Leader" Legacy Fund For Educators at the John Randolph Foundation. Checks should be made payable to the John Randolph Foundation, with "Sue Jones" in the memo section of the check and mailed to John Randolph Foundation, PO Box 1606, Hopewell VA 23860. Donations may also be made online at johnrandolphfoundation.org. Please click DONATE and scroll to select the Sue Jones "Fearless Leader" Legacy Fund for Educators.
Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .