Elizabeth “Liza” Heffner Jones passed away on Sunday, December 27th, in Henrico, Virginia at the age of 74. She passed while surrounded by her loving family, after bravely battling lung cancer for the past 20 months.

Liza was the daughter of the late James Jefferis “Jim” Heffner and Elizabeth “Betty” Bayley Heffner; and granddaughter of Edgar and Clara Heffner.

She is survived by Carl Anthony Jones, her loving and devoted husband of 46 years; her daughter, Lauren Jones Conley (Andrew) of Denver, CO; her son, James Andrew “Andy” Jones of Henrico; and her granddaughter, Anna Rose Conley.

Liza was born in Williamsport, PA, and raised in Lock Haven, PA, a town that would forever remain close to her heart.

She attended Lock Haven High School and graduated in 1964. Afterwards, Liza headed south to Virginia to attend Southern Seminary; followed by East Carolina, where she graduated in 1968.

Blessed with an insatiable zest for life and all the adventures it could offer, after graduation from ECU Liza set her sights on (in her words) the “big city” - Richmond, VA. Soon after, Liza began what would be a 30 year career working for the City of Richmond social services, primarily in Adoptions.

During her tenure, Liza helped countless families and children find happiness. Richmond was also the place where she met her husband, Carl, and started their family. Over the years, Liza and her family enjoyed many trips to Lock Haven for the holidays and relaxation with her parents.

She spent many summer vacations visiting Stone Harbor, NJ, with her parents, growing up. Some of her favorite memories and stories came from touring Europe with her mother, father and husband, Carl; honeymooning in Bermuda and riding mopeds on the “wrong” side of the road; vacationing in Nags Head, NC, since the 1970s; and all the many adventurous trips she took with her husband and children all over the United States.

The laughter, love and light Liza brought to those who knew her well, and even those who didn’t, were a gift to the world and will forever be her legacy. Her generosity and genuinely inquisitive nature were uniquely her, and she could light up any room she entered. Her love for animals – cats, in particular – gave her much joy from childhood throughout her life.

One of the highlights of Liza’s later years was the birth of her cherished granddaughter, Anna, in 2018. Anna loved her “Mimi” very much and she will live on in Anna’s memory aided by plentiful photographs and videos. Liza was a doting grandmother, mother, wife, daughter and friend to so many.

The Liza Jones Patient Advocacy Program will be launched in her honor through The Exon 20 Group at ICAN, the International Cancer Advocacy Network, with the hope that understanding, education, and treatments for lung cancer will be advanced through research and advocacy.

A memorial service / celebration of Liza’s life will be scheduled in the Spring of 2021. Specific details will be shared by the family at a later date. In the meantime, arrangements are in the care of Bennett Funeral Home. Please leave a message in the online guestbook. The family would welcome any stories or memories you have about Liza.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Liza’s memory to: St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital Amelia County Public Animal Shelter (reflecting her deep love for animals)

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