Obituary of Martha Watson Jones

MARTHA WATSON JONES of Haines City, Florida, age 85, passed away December 18, 2021, at Good Shepherd Hospice House in Lakeland, FL surrounded by her loving family. She was born October 25, 1936, in Lakeland, FL, the daughter of the late Roy M. Watson and Myrtice Watson of Lakeland, FL. Martha graduated from Lakeland High School in 1954 and in 1958 graduated from Florida Southern College where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. While attending Florida Southern College, she met her husband John Sample Jones. They met in a college horticulture class, enjoyed fraternity and sorority functions together and could often be found square-dancing. They married in 1960. They lived in Winter Haven, FL and New Orleans, LA, before settling in Haines City where they lived and raised their family. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church. Martha was an active person always involved in the family business, clubs, charities, sports, gardening, travel and social events. She surrounded herself with friends and family. She loved to socialize, host family dinners and events, travel, substitute teach and spend time with her children and grandchildren. She was the long-time President of Sample Groves, Inc where she led the family business after the death of her husband. She and John shared a love of agriculture; they both came from ag families with John from a citrus family that founded Haines City Citrus Growers Association and Martha coming from a family that grew peaches and blueberries in Arkansas. She always looked forward to her summers in Arkansas while growing up, helping in the orchards and playing with her best friend. Martha was a member of the Sandspur Garden Club, local Bible study groups, the Haines City Historical Society and exercise groups. She was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority and was an active alumnus. She volunteered for numerous charities including House Blessed. While enjoying domestic travel, she also loved her two trips to Europe. She loved card games and a little gambling! She taught her family a new card game 2-4-7, that became a family favorite and her grandchildren enjoyed challenging her playing “penny a point” cards! She loved the Blackjack table and slots in Las Vegas and Biloxi, MS! Her family enjoyed spending time on the lakes of Central Florida and at the beach; favorites were Vero Beach, FL, and New Smyrna Beach, FL. She also enjoyed spending time on Sanibel and Captiva Islands where she loved finding and collecting beautiful shells. Martha and John imparted a love of the water and water sports to their children. Aside from family, her biggest love was golf. She was a long-time member of Grenelefe Golf and Country Club and golfed weekly. She was a member of several golf leagues including a weekly lady’s group and regional competitive team. She was selected to be a scorekeeper for major PGA golf tournaments in the Central Florida area including the Walt Disney World Golf Classic. Her most proud moment was her hole in one. Martha was predeceased by her husband, John Sample Jones, Sr., one sister, Mary Jones, and two brothers, Royce Watson and James Watson, all of Florida. Martha is survived by her three children, Sandra Jones Sage, Deborah Jones Congdon (Darrell) and John Sample Jones, Jr. She is also survived by two beautiful grandchildren, Caroline Congdon Albertson (Devon), Christopher Matthew Congdon and one great granddaughter Charlotte Mae Albertson. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. They grew up very close to their “Baba” and loved her dearly. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday December 22nd at 10:00 AM at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, 1001 E. Grace Avenue, Haines City FL. The family will receive friends and family at 9:30 AM prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a long-time supported charity of Martha’s, Florida Sheriff’s Youth Villa, 3350 State Road 60, Bartow, FL 33830 or Good Shepherd Hospice, 3470 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33805.