Beatrice Lee Jones, 76, of Lanham, MD transitioned to her heavenly home on Monday, June 5, 2023, at her residence. Beatrice was born March 26, 1947, in Charles Town, West Virginia, to the late Charles S. Washington and Blondell S. Washington. Beatrice, affectionately known as Bea, grew up in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia and attended Jefferson County Public Schools. After graduating from Harper's Ferry High School, she married the late Daniel Lee Payton, of Charles Town, West Virginia, and from their union they had three daughters Teresa Brockett, Doreen Smith, and Michelle Payton. Later in life she married her beloved husband Kenneth Jones on February 14, 1986.

Bea worked for the Department of Treasury for 27 years. She started off as a Clerk Typist before entering the training program to become a Security Claims Analyst. From that position she held a supervisory role until her retirement on January 31, 1995. After retirement, Bea worked for FedChoice Federal Credit Union and Beneficial Finance.

Bea loved traveling as she traveled often. Spain, Italy, and Hawaii were some interesting places she had the pleasure to experience as well as the many cruises she took throughout the years. Another passion was writing. Bea loved to write. At any given time, she would pen a quick quote such as "Up at night, can't sleep….Try! Don't call me I'm trying to sleep too!".  Here is another one "Miracles do happen…aren't you here?".  Not only did she write quotes, but she loved to write poetry as well. Another hobby Bea enjoyed was cooking. She watched cooking shows, tried every recipe that she could, then proudly shared photos of her finished product.

Bea also enjoyed spending time with family and friends as she would host many cookouts and gatherings at her home. She looked forward to attending the annual Harpers Ferry dinner-dance as she enjoyed reconnecting with her classmates and showing off her hand dancing skills. She was the life of any party or family gathering. Spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, who referred to her as "Gammy," was also the highlight of her day. From the sleepovers to the home-made pizza party, she always made sure everyone had an enjoyable time.

Bea is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Kenneth Jones, three daughters; Teresa Brockett (Kelvin) of Springdale, MD., Doreen Smith (Richard) of Waldorf, MD., and Michelle Payton of Hanover, MD.; five grandchildren; Taneia Wooden, Avante' Payton, Karyn Payton, Markya Reed and Khalil Reed; five great grandchildren; Malachi DeBrew, Ezelle Wooden IV, Ezekiel DeBrew, Eva Wooden and Marley Payton, four sisters; Sylvia Davis, Selma Fleming, Sheila Willis and Kimberly Hosby,  sisters-in-law, Cynthia Pierce and Brenda Carpenter  and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Joan Castro-Twyman.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 am on Friday, June 16, 2023 at Eackles-Spencer & Norton Funeral Home, 256 Halltown Road, Harpers Ferry, WV. Interment will follow in Pleasant View Memory Gardens in Martinsburg, WV.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.