Vivian Eilene Jones
October 13, 1948 ~ October 1, 2026
Vivian Eilene Jones, 78 yrs old, of Charleston, SC passed away October 1, 2026.
Vivian Eilene was born October 13,1948, in Tulsa, Ok to the late Lucius and Vivian Clarice (Dotson) Jones.
After her parents relocated to Jefferson City, MO Vivian Eileen attended local elementary schools and graduated from Jefferson City High School class of 1966. Vivian Eilene continued her education by attending Morgan State, there she earned an undergraduate degree in Music Education. Vivian also pledged and was initiated as a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
Ms. Jones extensive career led her to Charleston, SC where it included being an educator for Charleston Development Academy, Gregg Middle School, Burke High School and as the Director of Music for the Charleston Symphony Orchestra Gospel Choir.
As Director of Music for the Charleston Gospel Choir, Vivian shared her exceptional musical gifts with audiences near and far, leading her ensemble in numerous concerts throughout the United States and aboard to Italy and Africa. Vivian understood music served as a universal language connecting people and cultures.
Ms. Jones’ love for music was enduring throughout her life. Vivian dedication as a teacher by profession and a Mentor by calling is evident in the hearts of so many. For over 30 years, Ms. Jones poured into the lives of countless students and chorus members, offering encouragement, structure and an unwavering belief in their potential.
She was preceded in death by her parents Lucius and Vivian Jones; Brother Lucius Darwin Jones; Aunts Mildred Mayberry and Carolyn Mcondichie; Uncles, Jessie Jones, Winfred Dotson and James Dotson Jr.
She leaves to cherish her memory a dear Aunt, Alice Jones; cousins, Hope Jackson, Valerie Jones Williams, Iris Donetta Davis, Ransom E Davis Sr.; Special friends, Don Brewer, (Jamie-lee) Viola Mack, Mary and Joe Simmons, Elinor Coaxum; former student and colleague Lee Pringle- (Director of Charleston Gospel Choir); along with Many more sorrowful relatives, former students and friends throughout Charleston, SC, Jefferson City, MO, and California. Her Legacy will continue through those who carry forward the light and love she imparted to everyone she left an impression on.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Longview Cemetery, 204 Scott Station Road, Jefferson City, MO 65109, with Pastor Cornell C. Sudduth, Sr. officiating.
A memorial service will be held Friday, October 30, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church, 342 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403.
Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City, Missouri. trimblefunerals.com
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Services
Graveside Service: Saturday, October 24, 2026 11:00 am
Longview Cemetery
204 Scotts Station Road
Jefferson City, Missouri 65109
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remembering Vivian with a smile…she always had a wicked sense of humor
….our JCHS Class of 1966’s official remembrance will appear on the memories timeline
True that. She was wicked smart, as well.
Eilene,
Your light will continue to glow in the lives of the many you touched with love and music.
“Bobby”
Viv, you were one of my very first friends in life. I’ll always cherish that friendship, and never forget you.
Vivian was always one of my favorite classmates in Jeff City, starting from our time in grade school at Thorpe Gordon—along with Della Dameron, June White and Jo Nina Irwin—through junior high at Simonsen and high school at JCHS. She was always smart, funny and had a sometimes biting wit that kept us all honest and on our toes. She will always be remembered fondly—she was a very nice and kind person who will be missed.