Nelvin Rivers Jones

Nelvin Rivers “Nat” Jones, 87, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on March 11, 2023. He was born on October 12, 1935, in Elams, North Carolina, and was preceded in death by his parents, S. R. “Shorty” Jones, Jr. and Virginia Spragins Jones, and his brother, John Wesley “Dick” Jones. After graduating from Lawrenceville High School, Nelvin married the love of his life, Shelby Jean Edwards. He served in the United States Army as a member of the Military Police and was stationed at Eniwetok in the Pacific Islands. Upon his return home, Nelvin joined the family timber business. He was a co-owner of S. R. Jones, Jr. & Sons, Inc. and S. R. Jones, Jr. Land and Timber, Inc. Although he was usually a man of few words, his love for his family, employees, and community was evident in his life every day. Nelvin was a founding and life member of the Central Rescue Squad, a member of the Gasburg Volunteer Fire Department, a longtime member of the South Brunswick Ruritan Club, a Board Member of Brunswick Academy Association, and a dedicated member of Matthews Chapel United Methodist Church. Nelvin’s work ethic kept him going to the shop and the office well into his 80s, but his passion was his family. When he wasn’t at work, he could often be found sitting in the stands at a ballgame or keeping up with his grandchildren through the many pictures and stories they shared with him. Nelvin was a true southern gentleman who will be remembered for his strength, compassion, courage, and selfless service to his church and community. 

He is survived by his wife, Shelby; his two sons, Dr. Sidney Jones, III and Sigmund Jones; his daughter-in-law, Krisha Jones; four beloved grandchildren, Sidney Rivers Jones, IV (Megan), Laura Gurley (Stephen), Mason, and Berkeley; two great-grandsons, Sidney Rivers Jones, V and Hurley Jones; his brother, Larry Jones, and sisters Lucy Clary and Judy Taylor; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless other family and friends whom he loved dearly. Special thanks is extended to Crystal Watkins and Bernadette Stith for the excellent care and emotional support provided during his illness. 

Family will receive friends at his home on Thursday, March 16, 2023, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Williams Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, Virginia, on Friday, March 17, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with interment immediately following at Matthews Chapel United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Matthews Chapel UMC Memorial Fund, 8308 Christanna Highway, Gasburg, Virginia 23857.