Denise Davies Jones

Denise Davies Jones, “Dennie,” a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, and friend passed peacefully and surrounded by love on April 8, 2026. Born in Columbus, Ohio, on December 19, 1944, she graced us with 81 years of wisdom, kindness, and dedication to her family.

Born Denise Ray Davies to Norman and Maxine (Gilmore) Davies, she grew up in the Clintonville area of Columbus, living with her mother, 3 brothers, and grandmother following the death of her father. Highlights of her time in high school included her first job as a cashier for Big Bear grocery store and the opportunity to shake President Kennedy’s hand during his visit to Columbus. As a 1962 graduate of North High School, she was a proud Polar Bear, often singing the school song throughout the years.

After high school, Denise attended the Ohio State University before entering the work force. Over the years, she also attended the College of DuPage and earned her Associates Degree. Her career as a secretary, physician office manager, and coding and compliance administrator spanned over five decades and finished in 2018, a testament to her dedication and passion for the medical field.

Denise married Jay Whyland Jones on November 4, 1967, and had three children. They were married for 54 years up until Jay’s passing in 2022.

Columbus and Worthington, Ohio were home to her, however, she spent some years living with her husband and children in Illinois and Michigan, before she moved home again. She settled in Hilliard in 1994, living there until relocating in 2020 to Newport, MI and Brownstown Township, MI to spend her remaining time near her daughter.

While nothing brought Denise more joy than spending time with her children and grandchildren, she was an active member of her church, where she shared her beautiful voice as a member of the choir. Her love for music was rivaled only by her love of reading and her talents as a seamstress, making many Halloween costumes, outfits, and dresses for her children, grandchildren, and herself. She also loved watching football, especially the Ohio State Buckeyes, and she was a good sport, smiling and nodding, when her daughter spoke of the University of Michigan.

Denise was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Norman and Maxine, uncle Ray Gilmore, aunt Janet Davies, brothers Michael Davies and Kim Davies, and her husband Jay.

Her legacy lives on in her three children, Jeffrey (Christy) Jones of Auburn, Alabama, Jonathan Jones of Hilliard, Ohio, and Jennifer (Jason) Luciow of Newport, MI. Her nurturing spirit and love are carried on in her four grandchildren, Jordan and Alyssa Jones and Megan and Jonah Luciow, her brother, Jon (Jodee) Davies of Olympia, Washington, and many nieces and nephews.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers and staff at Downriver Estates Assisted Living and Elara Caring Hospice for their unwavering support and kindness during Denise's final days.

A memorial service will take place in Columbus at a later date with Denise’s final resting place being among her cherished family members in Walnut Grove Cemetery in Worthington, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Denise’s memory.