Faith Marie Jones, age 65, of New Philadelphia, Ohio, who as a young teenager committed her life to Christ and to helping countless people realize their faith and calling in this world, graduated into her heavenly reward Tuesday morning (Dec. 11, 2012) from her home, with family at her side having fought a tenacious battle with cancer.

Born in Fairmont, Jan. 21, 1947, she was one of seven children born to the late Stephen Lindsay and Orpha Shaw Keener.

Faith graduated from East Fairmont High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Fairmont State University — where she met and fell in love with her husband, Robert “Bob” Jones — and Roberts Wesleyan College at Rochester, N.Y. where she earned dual degrees with honors in psychology and social work.

She began her career as chief probation officer in the juvenile court of Barbour County. Faith and Bob relocated to Ohio, where she went to work as a juvenile probation officer for Carroll County. Before long, she began to live her calling as a counselor, earning certifications as a licensed social worker and as a licensed professional clinical counselor and earned a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Akron, where she was also a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society.

Her family is proud of the legacy Faith leaves behind, having helped thousands of people of all ages begin their lives anew through her work as a therapist. Her career, spanning three decades and a half a dozen directorships most recently culminated with her leadership at New Beginnings Counseling Center at Sugarcreek through the Circle of Friends Ministry Center.

Faith will be remembered aptly for her strong faith in the Lord, in the way in which she used her God-given talents to minister to those in need.

In addition to her busy professional life, Faith was a gifted vocalist who enjoyed singing and was a member of the church choir at Winfield United Methodist Church, and had attended classes and workshops to become a lay minister. Faith also enriched the lives of those who heard her deliver motivational speeches at conferences led by Lisa Troyer.

She’ll be dearly missed by her family, which, in addition to her husband, Bob, of 45 years, includes two sons, Dr. Robert “Hobby” (Alana) Jones II of North Canton, Ohio, and Josh (Erin) Jones of New Philadelphia, Ohio; and a young grandson, Zachary Wade Jones of New Philadelphia, Ohio, whom she taught about love and life and to say, “I love you true;” a brother, Paul (Georgeann) Keener, of Baltimore, Md.; a sister, Beverly Hope Keener of Fairmont; and a brother, Ralph Keener of Baltimore, Md., also survive. Many nieces, nephews and cousins, including Carl and Shari Keener, who also provided loving care during Faith’s illness, complete the family.

In addition to her parents, Faith is preceded in death by her daughter, Heather Marie Jones; an infant grandson, Ethan Shane Jones; two sisters, Barbara McCleary and Beatrice Johnson; as well as a brother, Forrest Dow Keener.

Friends are invited to call Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. Pastor LuAnn Youngman will lead Mrs. Jones’ funeral Saturday at 11 a.m. in Winfield United Methodist Church. Burial, alongside her daughter, will follow in New Cumberland Cemetery. Following the committal service, a luncheon reception will be served in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover.

Those unable to attend are invited to share memories and condolences with the family by visiting the funeral home’s website.

So that her legacy of caring for others may continue, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to The Samaritans Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607, which will benefit the neediest children of the Darfur and Sudan regions.