Durham – Margaret Elizabeth Jones passed away unexpectedly Sunday, August 13, 2017. Born June 22, 1993, she is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Southgate Jones, III, of Durham; brothers, Southgate Jones, IV of Raleigh, Alexander Moyer Jones, of Durham; maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. David Hendry Wallace of Charleston, WV; five aunts and uncles; and numerous cousins.
Elizabeth accomplished so much at such a young age, and had a zest for life’s experiences. She participated in an exchange program living with a family in Melbourne, Australia during 10th grade. She loved the outdoors and completed two National Outdoor Leadership School programs in Wyoming and Alaska. It was during her climbing experience in the Wind River mountain range of Wyoming that after being one of two climbers to ascend to the final summit of a 14er, she realized that “anything is possible” and penned those very words describing this moment for her college entrance essay to the University of Denver.
After transferring to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill her sophomore year, she decided to pursue dual majors in Psychology and Sociology. She also pledged Alpha Chi Omega at UNC. She graduated with Highest Honors on her undergraduate thesis and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society.
Elizabeth’s passion for helping make the world a better place lead her to a career in addictions research and clinical experiences. She held a clinical research position at the Medical University of South Carolina working in grant research at their Charleston, SC, campus. Wanting to return closer to home, she secured her current position at the renowned Duke Center for Smoking Cessation under Dr. Jed Rose. Her role was a Senior Clinical Research Specialist. Elizabeth had planned to pursue a graduate degree at Duke or UCLA in the fall of 2018, and ultimately teach and lead her own research.
An enthusiast for sports, Elizabeth participated on various teams throughout her youth and at Durham Academy where she graduated. In Charleston she took up running and completed two half-marathons in her desired goals of under 2 hours and subsequently the Myrtle Beach marathon in under 4 hours.
While so accomplished and mature with wisdom beyond her years she will be remembered most for a tender heart that cared deeply for her family and friends. She cherished her friendships and nurtured those relationships with unwavering love.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 17, 2017 at 3pm in the Duke University Chapel. The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 from 6-8pm at the home of Southgate and Charlotte Jones. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Elizabeth’s name may be made to the Duke Center for Smoking Cessation, 2424 Erwin Road #201, Durham, NC 27705, please make checks payable to Duke University.
Lisa Vail
August 14, 2017 at 5:29 pmCharlotte and Southgate,
Our hearts are with you as are our prayers.
Our love,
The Vail family
Kay Hess
August 14, 2017 at 6:59 pmMy deepest sympathies to your family in this most unbearable time of loss. Alex, we are thinking about you. Please let us know if we can help you in any way.
Peggy Perry
August 14, 2017 at 7:14 pmI am so very sorry. Elizabeth sounds like an amazing young woman that has left a beautiful legacy at such a young age. With deepest sympathy, Peggy Perry (a friend of Elizabeth and Larry Steelman)
Val Williams
August 14, 2017 at 7:23 pmThere are just no words to express how much our hearts hurt for you and your family right now. Losing a loved one is always hard, but to have such an accomplished and beautiful young person taken away so suddenly is the hardest of all. I hope you can feel my hugs and prayers right now. I know you will be held up by friends and family at this most difficult time. You are all loved and we are here for whatever you need.
Betsy
August 14, 2017 at 7:28 pmDear Charlotte, Southgate, Gate and Alexander,
Words cannot express the extent of my sadness for you and your family. I am praying hard right now and will continue to do so. My love to you and your family. Our family is here for you if there is anything we can do.
Praying hard for understanding, peace and ease of pain from this loss of such a wonderful daughter whose life was just beginning.
Prayerfully,
Betsy Collie
Kitt
August 14, 2017 at 8:44 pmSouthgate, Charlotte, and IV,
My deepest condolences. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda Levin
August 14, 2017 at 8:57 pmSome things in life are impossible to comprehend and the loss of this beautiful young woman is certainly an example. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Gate we love you and are here for you always- the Levin Family
leslie
August 14, 2017 at 9:00 pmA very special young woman. We are saddened by your loss. Sending prayers
Leslie and Mark Zimmermam
Erin O'Connor
August 14, 2017 at 11:15 pmWe are deeply saddened by your unexpected loss of a wonderful young women who had accomplished so much meaningful activity and results in such a short time. We all had great hope for much more success in life. We remember the young days of sleep overs , Indian Princess, and soccer. Thank you Elizabeth for your contributions to making the world and all of us better . You will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Southgate,Charlotte,Gate, Alexander,extended family, and friends.
God Bless,
The O’Connor Family
Zach Erb
August 14, 2017 at 11:26 pmI am so sorry. I was a classmate of Elizabeth’s during her time at DA, and while we never became close friends I held her in high regard. More than many people I knew in my class, she cared deeply for those around her, and she could always make me smile whenever our paths did cross. My thoughts are with you all in this challenging time.
David Wallace
August 15, 2017 at 6:57 amWe are thinking of you – so very sorry. Love you, Dave, Ginny, Tavi, Seth, Tess, and Mara.
Mike Spatola
August 15, 2017 at 7:11 amI am so deeply saddened to hear the news of Elizabeth’s passing. I have the fondest memories of teaching Elizabeth, especially her wonderful sense of humor and strong sense of self. She was a vert special young lady. Please accept my deepest sympathies and condolences. Elizabeth and her family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tim Dahlgren
August 15, 2017 at 7:39 amAlexander and Gate and all the Jones family, I am so sorry for your loss and will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary hamilton
August 15, 2017 at 8:20 amCharlotte,
Words are completely inadequate right now. Please know that my heart aches this morning for the pain you and your family are enduring today. I will be praying for strength to take just one step at a time for the demands ahead.
I wish i had had the privilege of knowing your amazing daughter.
Mary Hamilton
Pamela Hobbs
August 15, 2017 at 8:23 amMy dear long childhood friend Charlotte and family . My deepest heartfelt sympathy and prayers . My heart aches for you . I am here for you today and going forward as you grieve the loss of your beautiful daughter Elizabeth . I love you .
Pam Hobbs
Caroline Carrington
August 15, 2017 at 8:43 amWe are heartbroken to hear of the loss of your beautiful daughter. Christopher and I are holding your family close in our thoughts and prayers and send sincerest condolences during this difficult time.
With love,
Caroline & Christopher Carrington
Debbie Hunt
August 15, 2017 at 8:49 amI am so very sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Matilda Williams
August 15, 2017 at 9:02 amI am sending sincere sympathy and prayers to the Family and Friends of Beautiful Elizabeth Jones! My heart is sadden! I was blessed with the opportunity to work with Elizabeth at Duke Center for Smoking Cessation. Elizabeth was such an intelligent, warm and caring young lady and I enjoyed working together with her, as a Team Player. When I heard about the passing of Elizabeth, It was hard for me to accept the news. I will truly miss working with her and being in her presence! Working with Elizabeth as a team, will forever be an experience that will be cherished forever!
Kate Cadwallader
August 15, 2017 at 9:12 amWe send our heartfelt sympathies and will keep you all in our prayers during challenging time.
Kate and Robb Cadwallader
Joanne Liddle
August 15, 2017 at 9:28 amDear Jones Family, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you and the sudden death of Elizabeth. I just met her for the first time at a wedding shower for Toni Pappas. We sat side by side and visited awhile when I realized Elizabeth was Charlotte and Southgate’s daughter. I was very impressed with her and could tell she had a heart for service to others as well as a joy and curiosity about what her future held. I am so glad I had that opportunity to meet your beautiful Elizabeth. My prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. May you find peace and strength through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Love Joanne.
Murugesan Thangaraju
August 15, 2017 at 10:26 amI shocked and saddened to know the sudden demise of our colleague Elizabeth.
May God rest her soul in peace.
My deepest condolences to you all.
With sorrow,
Raju
Duke Center for Smoking Cessation
Debbie Carver
August 15, 2017 at 10:49 amI am praying that God surrounds all of you with His Love and Light.
Katie Faison
August 15, 2017 at 12:01 pmI’d like to extend my sincere sympathy for the family and strength for all times.
Regards,
Holly Borden
August 15, 2017 at 12:16 pmWith you in prayers.
Lori Hey
August 15, 2017 at 12:17 pmCharlotte, Southgate, Gate and Alexander,
We send our love, prayers and deepest sympathies to you all as you suffer the loss of Elizabeth. She was a beloved daughter, sister and accomplished young woman. I am so sorry.
Love, Lori and Lloyd Hey
Ray Cagle
August 15, 2017 at 12:36 pmCharlotte and Southgate,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts, prayers, and love go out to you and your family.
Ray and Pattie Cagle & family
Bill Hayes
August 15, 2017 at 1:09 pmTo the whole Jones family,- I am just so sorry !!!! Pam says everything we want to.
Mary Rae Hunter
August 15, 2017 at 1:16 pmThere are no words to express my deepest sympathy to your dear family. Elizabeth will forever be remembered for the lovely person that she was and for the joy that she brought to those she touched. My sincere prayers for comfort are with your family at this time.
Ann Sotolongo
August 15, 2017 at 2:14 pmWe are heartbroken to hear about Elizabeth . Sending our deepest sympathy to your entire family. With healing prayers, the Sotolongo Family
Doug and Holly Rogers
August 15, 2017 at 2:39 pmWe are so sorry to hear about your daughter Elizabeth. Sending our sincere sympathy, thoughts and prayers to your family during this difficult time. May peace be with you.
Marian Staer
August 15, 2017 at 3:00 pmDear Jones Family,
Tim and I became extremely sad upon hearing this awfull news. Any parents worst nightmare. A reminder of how fragile life is, and how it can change from one minute to the next. We are thinking of you . And always ready to help, if you need us.
Tim and Marian
kristy rosenberg
August 15, 2017 at 3:01 pmI was heartbroken to hear about your Elizabeth. She obviously was an amazing person. I am sending you loads of love and support during this difficult time.
kristy rosenberg
Vicki Wynne
August 15, 2017 at 3:48 pmSouthgate and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Kindra Westercamp
August 15, 2017 at 3:53 pmMy most sincere condolences to your family during this time. Elizabeth was so thoughtful with the most kind heart. She was incredibly passionate about things in life that others sometimes take for granted. She will be dearly missed and I’ll forever remember her. Especially her great laugh. Prayers to her friends and family as they say goodbye to an amazing woman with such a zest for life.
Pete McWilliams
August 15, 2017 at 4:04 pmI am distressed to learn of Elizabeth’s death. She was an asset to Durham Academy, a pleasure to her teachers, and a success in all that she attempted. Too often the good die young, but theirs is a legacy for those of us–young or old–who remain to try to emulate.
— Mr Mac
Daniela Harrell
August 15, 2017 at 5:14 pmGate and all the Jones family, My heart is so broken at the news of your lovely daughter’s death. I am with you in spirit and thoughts, understanding your pain. I am praying for comfort and the support of family and friends.
Dave Pottenger
August 15, 2017 at 5:16 pmThe Pottenger family sends you our love and prayers. Elizabeth was an extraordinary young woman who has left us far too young. We hold you all close to our hearts at this extraordinarily difficult time.
Frances schmitt
August 15, 2017 at 5:47 pmI would like to express my condolences to the family of Margaret Elizabeth Jones. Frances schmitt
Charleston WV ( friend of her grandmother Margie Wallace)
Jennifer Villa
August 15, 2017 at 6:45 pmI am at a loss for words. My heart goes out to you and your family. You are in my thoughts with love and sorrow. I’m so deeply sorry is not enough.
Bonnie Boone
August 15, 2017 at 7:22 pmThinking of you all at this most difficult and heartbreaking time. There really are no words with the loss of a child. You are in our families thoughts and prayers.
Kim Kennedy
August 15, 2017 at 8:16 pmSouthgate and Charlotte,
We are so sorry to hear this heartbreaking news. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and we are here if you need anything.
Chuck and Kim Kennedy
Lee Aldridge
August 15, 2017 at 8:22 pmDear Charlotte and Southgate,
I am so so sorry to hear about Elizabeth.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this unimaginably sad time.
My deepest sympathies.
Love,
Lee Aldridge
Marian Saffo-Cogswell
August 15, 2017 at 8:25 pmAlexander and Gate
I am so saddened at the death of yours amazing sister,Elizabeth. I was with her recently and it was lovely to hear not only about her life but yours too. It was my pleasure to have taught you all. May the memories of the good times you shared with Elizabeth give you comfort in the days ahead. My prayers go out to your whole family.
Randy Bryson
August 15, 2017 at 8:39 pm“Mr. Mac” (Pete McWilliams 7th grade LA teacher) captured the essence of my thoughts. My prayers are with the entire Jones family at such a trying time.
Linda & Sandy Allen
August 15, 2017 at 9:06 pmHi Charlotte & Southgate,
We share your pain and have prayers in our hearts for your family.
Robyn R Glushik
August 15, 2017 at 9:25 pmCharlotte and family, our sincerest condolences to you. We are so sorry to hear about your dear Elizabeth. We are here for you in any way that you need us. Our thoughts are with you.
Sincerely, Robyn and John Glushik
Lucy Falk
August 15, 2017 at 11:08 pmCharlotte and family ,
I can’t even begin to imagine what you are going through. Elizabeth sounded like an amazing woman. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Much love,
Lucy falk and family
Megan Gray
August 15, 2017 at 11:52 pmMuch love from this devoted Purebarre client. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Penny Showalter
August 16, 2017 at 6:14 amShe was a special woman. Prayers and condolences to you and your family
Lydia Smith
August 16, 2017 at 7:34 amCharlotte and Southgate,
My heart is breaking for you and your family. Please know you are in my thoughts and
prayers.
With much love,
Lydia Smith
Kim and Joel Craig
August 16, 2017 at 7:46 amCharlotte and Southgate and all the Jones family, we are so sorry to hear about your beautiful Elizabeth. Just wanTed you to know our hearts and prayers are with you. Terrible news about such an a complied young woman.
Teresa Jones Ward
August 16, 2017 at 8:31 amCharlotte,
I am just hearing about Elizabeth and my heart is breaking for you right now! You and your family will be in our prayers, both now and in the months to come.
Dana Pope
August 16, 2017 at 10:00 amDearest Charlotte, Southgate, Alexander and Gate,
We can not begin to imagine the pain you all must be feeling over the loss of your beloved Elizabeth. Please know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers during this devastating time, and not alone. We will ask God to comfort your heart ❤️, uplift your spirit, and carry you through this time of great sadness to a place of peace.
With deepest sympathies,
Todd, Dana and the entire Pope family
Upasana Chandra
August 16, 2017 at 12:04 pmDear Jones Family,
I am so saddened to hear about Liz’s passing. She was a colleague of mine at the Duke Center for Smoking Cessation, and although we’d only worked together for a couple of months, she was always an absolutely wonderful presence in the office and I will never forget her thoughtfulness or compassion. Keeping your family in my thoughts.
All the best,
Upasana Chandra
Philip McHugh
August 16, 2017 at 12:45 pmThe McHugh family sends prayers and condolences on the shocking loss of your beautiful Elizabeth.
May God grant you the strength to endure this most difficult time.
Phil, Chris and Sean
Jen Mann
August 16, 2017 at 1:35 pmWords simply fail. Sorry is not enough. Please seek comfort in your loved ones, memories of your precious daughter, and to know that some day you WILL be reunited again.
Anne and David Townsend
August 16, 2017 at 2:27 pmOur sincere condolences for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Kay Burgess
August 16, 2017 at 2:31 pmI am so sorry for your loss.
Kay Burgess
The Murrays
August 16, 2017 at 2:44 pmOur hearts break for the loss of your beautiful daughter and sister. We will always remember her bright smile. With our prayers, Jeanne, Brian, Claire and Evan Murray
J Slade Crumpton
August 16, 2017 at 3:47 pmYou have our deepest sympathy for your extreme loss. May God grant you strength and courage at this most difficulty time. J Slade crumpton.
Katherine Everhart
August 16, 2017 at 5:05 pmI am so very sad and sorry to hear of your loss. What a lovely young woman she
was!! Prayers to your family and all who loved her. May her Memory be eternal.
Katherine Everhart
AXO sister
Caroline Stubbs Jones
August 16, 2017 at 5:38 pmSouthgate, Charlotte, Gate, and Alexander-
I am so sorry for your loss. I always thought so much of your family, and I have wonderful memories of babysitting all three kids when they were little. Elizabeth was truly special and will be missed by many. My prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
Jo Ann Nelson
August 16, 2017 at 7:11 pmDear Southgate and Charlotte,
It’s impossible to find the words to describe such a loss. A beautiful young women has been taken entirely too soon.
Please know that Art and I; and, the entire Steelman family have all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Jo Ann Nelson
Kappy Black
August 16, 2017 at 7:19 pmDear Charlotte and Southgate,
Please know how sorry we are for the horrific loss of your precious Elizabeth. So many hearts ache for the unbearable pain you’re experiencing and wish we could help. Sending our loving thoughts and prayers to each of you Charlotte, Southgate, Gate, and Alexander for peace.
With our love,
Kappy and Perry
Nancy Demorest
August 16, 2017 at 10:23 pmDear Charlotte, Gate and Alexander,
We are heartbroken for you, and send our love and prayers.
Love,
The Demorests
Louie and Tammy Sasser
August 17, 2017 at 8:06 amSo sorry for your loss. Your family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
May God give you peace and comfort.
Paul, Usha and Chloe Jacob
August 17, 2017 at 9:35 amDear Southgate, Charlotte, Gate and Alexander,
We are heartbroken to hear this tragic news. Our hearts ache for you in your time of sorrow and grief. We are so glad and privileged to have met and known your beautiful daughter/sister during the school exchange program. The lovely young girl we knew grew into an amazing young woman. The dog tags Elizabeth and Chloe had engraved still hang in Chloe’s room alongside pictures of them together taken during Elizabeth’s time with us here. We will cherish our precious memories of Elizabeth, a beautiful young woman taken too soon.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God’s comfort and strength help you.
Love,
Paul, Usha and Chloe Jacob
(Melbourne, Australia)
Yolanda Stith
August 17, 2017 at 3:57 pmCharlotte and Southgate,,
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. We are saddened by the loss of your precious daughter. Please let us know if we can help in any way. God bless your family now and always.
Sincerely,
Yolanda, Thomas, Kara, Kiah and Kira Stith
Debbie
August 17, 2017 at 7:40 pmI am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Terry Kern
August 17, 2017 at 10:18 pmThinking of you and your family Charlotte I am truly sorry and saddened for your loss.
Terry Kern
The Circeo-Ronco Family
August 17, 2017 at 11:09 pmOur hearts are broken. Your dear Elizabeth will be sorely missed in our family. She had a kind and adventurous spirit. What a beautiful tribute to that spirit and her life today. Your sweet girl will always be treasured and remembered by us and by her friends and family who loved her so much. Our prayers are with you.
Randy Smith
August 18, 2017 at 8:41 amCharlotte and Southgate,,
My heart breaks for you. The words are truly inadequate, but please know that I am thinking of you and mourning your loss. May your beautiful memories and dear friends and family bring you comfort.
Love,
Randy
Bonnie Cummings
August 18, 2017 at 8:34 pmI cannot imagine the week you have had. I hope you find strength in knowing that she is with the lord . My prayers are with you all.
John and connie kim
August 19, 2017 at 5:46 pmOur thoughts and prayers are with you and you family:(
She seemed like a wonderful daughter and person.
Karen and Art Pappas
August 20, 2017 at 12:05 pmCharlotte and Southgate,
Gate and Alexander,
You are in our prayers and thoughts!
Your dear Elizabeth accomplished so much in such a short life on earth. Your wonderful and beautiful memories of her are so precious!
Karen and Art Pappas
Mitch Prinstein
August 20, 2017 at 11:08 pmI am so shocked and saddened to hear this news! I worked with Elizabeth at UNC when she volunteered in my research lab. She was wonderful to work with and we will all miss her so much. I can’t imagine what you are going through and I wish you my deepest condolences as you cope with your loss.
Lillie Jones Manvel
August 21, 2017 at 9:19 amOur hearts and thoughts are with you. What a remarkable person, your daughter.
With love,
Lillie Jones Manvel
Gray Southern
August 26, 2017 at 8:20 amDear Charlotte and Southgate,
Susan and I were out-of-the-country at the time of your loss, but learned of Elizabeth’s death on our return. We have kept you and your family in our prayers. I am deeply sorry for your loss and offer my most profound condolences. It is such an unnatural thing to lose a child.
Our daughter, Mary-Gray, was a high school classmate of Elizabeth’s and she, too, offers her respects.
Yours,
Gray and Susan Southern
Jean Service
August 26, 2017 at 11:01 amDear Charlotte and Southgate,
I know that words can not relieve the shock and pain of your sudden loss of Elizabeth. Please know that Grant and I send our deepest condolences and prayers for your family.
Jean and Grant Service
Ann and Dean Taylor
August 26, 2017 at 5:25 pmCharlotte and Southgate and boys,
We send our deepest sympathies and love your way at this incredibly sad time. We are truly sorry.
There are no words.
We send love and prayers your way,
Ann and Dean Taylor
Doren Madey Pinnell
August 26, 2017 at 11:57 pmDear Charlotte and Southgate,
Gates and Alexander,
My deepest sympathies and prayers!
Elizabeth accomplished more in her too short life than most people ever do.
That doesn’t make losing her any easier.
Her incredible accomplishments , wonderful memories, and sheer beauty will live on forever.
I may try to climb a mountain in her memory and honor!
With love, Doren
Frankie Lee
August 31, 2017 at 9:26 pmDear Charlotte and Southgate, We are so sad for you, your family and loved ones . Our sincere condolences to you all. God Bless. Frankie and Ken Lee
Janet
September 20, 2017 at 12:52 pmCharlotte and Southgate, we are so sorry to hear the news. We were just in WY in the Wind River district and now understand why Elizabeth loved it so much. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Janet and Bret Stolp