Niza Lee Jones

Niza Lee Jones, age 97, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at Ogeechee Area Hospice Inpatient Facility in Statesboro, Georgia.

Born on September 3, 1928, in Colquitt, Georgia, Niza was the daughter of the late Lonnie Calvin George and Niza Sheffield George. She graduated from Miller County High School in 1945. She was preceded in death by her five brothers: Winifred, Eugene, Amos, Bob and Charlie.

She was the oldest girl of seven children and loved standing by her mother and watching her cook. Niza's cooking was loved by her husband, sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also loved working with flowers and was a master at growing things. She transplanted grass from her home growing up to her home in Statesboro, and had a lovely yard. After her two sons got older, she went to Statesboro Beauty School and opened Niza's Beauty Shop which she operated for over thirty years doing hair for many, forming lifelong friendships.

Niza was a charter member of Fletcher Memorial Baptist Church and attended faithfully until her health prevented her from doing so. She loved her Sunday School class and all her church family.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother who loved her family unconditionally and was very proud of all of them. Her beloved husband of sixty nine years, Willis R. Jones, preceded her in death in 2020.

Niza is survived by two sons, Danny Jones (Dottie) of Statesboro, and John Jones (Donna) of Valdosta, Georgia. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Russell Jones (Meredith), Dr. Adam Jones (Hailey), Bonnie Ryckman (Judson), David Jones (Maryanna), Sally Jones, and Kelly Jones. Additional survivors include her great grandchildren: Daniel, Davis and John Russell Jones, Duncan, Portland and Mabel Jones, Vivian, Henry and Samuel Ryckman and Dickson, Graham and Ann Bishop Jones. Niza is survived by her sister Mary Ann Vaticalos of San Antonio, Texas. In addition she is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 10:00 until 11:00 AM at Fletcher Memorial Baptist Church, 720 N. Main St., Statesboro, GA 30458.

A service celebrating Niza's life will follow at 11:00 AM at Fletcher Memorial Baptist Church with Rev. Don Patterson officiating.

A graveside service will follow at Bulloch Memorial Gardens.

The family would like to thank her dedicated caregivers: Nera Huff, Gwen Williams, Rosa Rawls, Pearl Johnson and Teresa Rawls. Also much appreciation for the wonderful care Niza received at The Lodge at Bethany.

Deal Funeral Directors of Statesboro is in charge of the arrangements.