Lisabeth Knowles Jones, age 70, passed away following a catastrophic stroke on Thursday, Feb 19, 2026. She had been a resident of Hampton, VA since 2008.

Lisa had a wonderful, eventful life.  She was predominantly raised in the Dallas area, interspersed with three years in Tripoli, Libya. Lisa graduated from Texas Tech University and while in Lubbock, she met a young Lieutenant completing pilot training at nearby Reese Air Force Base. They were married in June, 1979. For the next 29 years they traipsed the world on assignments including Maine, Washington, DC (multiple times), London and Northern Italy.

Along the way, they were blessed with two delightful children - Ross and Katherine. Both children caught the "travel bug" which they have kept to this day; their itinerant upbringing was a family adventure. At each duty location, Lisa made lasting and significant contributions to the welfare of Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines. Following the Air Force, Lisa settled in Hampton, VA - the last of 15 moves she made with her family. Lisa fell in love with Hampton and quickly made friends in her new hometown. She especially enjoyed her friends in the Bunco group, the Kecoughtan Literary Circle (past president) and the Pembroke Garden Club (past president). Lisa was a dedicated board member, newsletter editor and past president of the Olde Wythe Neighborhood Association. She loved her community, friends and living on the water in Hampton. Lisa dedicated her heart to her family, her husband, her children, their spouses and her grandchildren.

Lisa was preceded in death by her parents, John K. and Helen C. Knowles; and her mother-in-law, Martha B. Jones. She is survived by her in-laws, Joe B. and Barbara B. Jones, her husband of 46 years, Maj. Gen. Timothy C. Jones, USAF (Ret.). She is also survived by her son, Lt. Col. Rosser M. Jones, USAFR (Megan R.) and her daughter, Katherine B. Guri (Durim G); sister, Dorinda R. Herzog (Charles E.); brother, John M. Knowles; and nephew, John D. Knowles;  four beloved grandchildren, Ethan M. Jones, Violet G. Jones, Merritt M. Guri, and Doka D. Guri.

A visitation will be held on Friday, Mar 6, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, 245 S. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA.   A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Mar 7, 2026, at 3:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, 514 S. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA. A reception will follow the service at the Hampton Yacht Club, 4707 Victoria Blvd., Hampton, VA from 4:00 - 6:00 PM. A private interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Peake Childhood Center, 1306 Thomas Street, Hampton, VA 23669 would be appreciated. (click here to donate)