January 18, 2026, 78, Garner – Rachel Lee Jones, 78, of Garner passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at her home. She was born in Johnston County on July 10, 1947 to the late Lathan Jones and Laura Lee Jones. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Roy “Buck” Jones and sister-in-law, Brenda and Jesse Jones; and sister, Kathy Breedlove.
Rachel Lee Jones lived her life in such a way that her very presence richly blessed her family and her friends. Through her selfless love and her extraordinary kindness, she displayed the presence of the God that she served for her whole lifetime. Our hearts were broken as she passed into eternity early that morning but we praise the good Lord for her life and for the legacy that she has left behind.
From very early childhood, Rachel had animals and pets that she cared for with a gentleness that they were all drawn to. But more than that, she always loved and adored her children and her grandchildren. She had a quick wit and was a great cook, had a word of encouragement for everyone and did not miss an opportunity to assist others in need. She always served her family and her friends with dedication and with great joy.
Rachel was extremely talented in a lot of areas. She had a business and accounting mind, but also had a flair for creating. She was an accomplished painter, she was a seamstress and enjoyed crochet, but also shared her gifts with others by many unique, beautiful craft projects through the years. Our Rachel was just lovely in every way and her fashion sense was unmatched, but she made others feel special by using her abilities in cosmetology to make them pretty, too.
Rachel spent many years playing piano for gospel groups but also quietly leading her home church by accompanying and directing the choir. Jesus Christ was her Savior and she never missed an opportunity to witness to others about the gospel. Throughout all her years, Rachel personified what it is to be a righteous woman. She was generous and joyful, bright and beautiful and had an undeniably sweet spirit that we all loved so very, very much and that we will all sorely miss.
Until we meet again…
Rachel is survived by a son, Kenneth “Kenny” Gooch and wife, Shannon; daughter, Sheri Douglas and husband, Bryan; sisters, Sheila Marten and her husband, Larry and Pamela Warren; grandchildren, Seth Gooch, Leah Gooch and Lily Gooch and her fur babies, Sophie, Mazie and Chloe.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 12:00 noon at Pisgah Baptist Church, 3689 NC 210, Smithfield, NC 27577 with the Reverend Brian Beasley officiating.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm on Friday, January 23, 2026 at Pisgah Baptist Church.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.caseyfh.com.
Casey Funeral Home and Cremations is honored to serve the Jones Family.
