Starr Fern Jones

Starr Fern White Jones, 78, peacefully entered the arms of her Lord in the early morning hours of July 21, 2026, at her home in Florida, with her loving husband, Lawrence "Lonny" Jones Sr., faithfully by her side. Surrounded by the love they had shared for more than 50 years, she passed peacefully into the presence of her Savior.

Born on March 3, 1948, in Farmington, Maine, Starr spent her childhood in western Maine and attended Wilton Academy in Wilton. She later called both Weld, Maine, and Fort White, Florida, home.

Starr was a woman of unwavering faith, incredible strength, and boundless love for her family and friends. She believed in hard work, cherished time with those she loved, and rarely sat still. She enjoyed traveling, cruises, line dancing, diamond painting, playing cards, and unforgettable girls' weekends.

She began her career in house cleaning before building a successful wallpapering business. Later, she and her beloved husband, Lonny, proudly owned and operated Emily's Restaurant for many years. She often credited her Aunt Emily with helping her get started in business.

Perhaps the greatest joy of Starr's life was the love she shared with Lonny. They truly did everything together and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on January 16 of this year.

Starr held close to her heart and had a deep unending love for her son Warren Dyke, grandson Benjamin Dyke and son Lawrence Jones Jr., and grandchildren, Julia, James, Alexander and Jeremiah Jones with whom she cherished many special memories.

Whenever someone would say, "I'm getting carried away," Starr would smile and reply, "Well... just stop yourself!" That exchange became one of her signature sayings and never failed to make people laugh.

She treasured her lifelong best friend Linda, and Linda's daughters, Wanda and Tammy, who lovingly considered Starr a second mother. She loved her church family at Fort White Community Church, especially card games with Lynn Martin, Reeci Davis, and Barbara Carter, and she cherished the friendship of Pastor Mike and Connie, along with Shannon Smith, Barbara Vining, Dale and Lynette Denby, and many others.

She was preceded in death by her father Leon White, her stepfather Doug Swan; her brother Leon “Butch” White; her father-in-law Kenneth Jones Sr., brother-in-law Kenneth Jones Jr., and her cousins Shelly Moore and Barbie Blazdale; and her great-grandson James Kenley Jones.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Lawrence "Lonny" Jones Sr.; her mother, Joy Swan; her brother, Scott Swan and his wife Suzi; step-mother Betty White and son Kevin; her sons, Warren Dyke and his wife Monique, and Lawrence Jones Jr. and his wife Mechelle; her grandchildren, Benjamin Dyke, Julia Jones, James Jones and his fiancée Ayla, Alexander Jones, Jeremiah Jones and his wife Makayla, and Loralai Dubord; her great-granddaughter Madyson Marie Jones; her sister-in-law Kelly Jones, brothers-in-law Leon Jones and his wife Janet, and Doug Jones and his wife Shery; her uncle Dale Hutchinson and his wife Nancy; her cousins Roland Moore, Holly Louvate, and Kerry Winters; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

If we have unintentionally omitted anyone, please know it was never our intention. Starr loved deeply and treasured every relationship she was blessed with.

Two Celebrations of Life will be held in her honor—one in Maine and one in Florida. Dates and locations will be announced at a later time.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Hospice for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Starr's memory to your local hospice organization.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction and care of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. US HWY 441, Lake City, FL, 32025, 386-752-1954. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.