Jennifer Jones, a former Bell County Judge Executive and a pioneer in community leadership, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 31,  at the age of 83.

“I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of Judge Jennifer Jones. I have known Jennifer both personally and professionally for decades. She was such a great lady, a wonderful friend, and truly loved our county and its citizens,” former Bell County Circuit Judge Robert Costanzo told WRIL. “I can say without fear of contradiction that Jennifer was a woman of faith who unconditionally loved her family.  Her unselfish service to our county cannot be overstated. Please pray for her family during these most difficult of days.”

The daughter of Elmer Lefevers and Ruby Gregory Lefevers, Jones was born in Molus and raised on Straight Creek. She graduated from Bell County High School and Cumberland College and went on to a 32-year career working for the state of Kentucky in employment services with the last 12 of those years as the manager of the Harlan and Middlesboro offices.

Jennifer made history as the first woman to become Chairperson of the Cumberland Valley Area Development District and later as the first woman to chair the Kentucky Association of Area Development Districts. In 1998 she became the first female to serve as Bell County Judge Executive and served one four-year term.

Jennifer had been a director for Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation since 1986 and contributed to various other boards during her career, including Kentucky’s Post-Secondary Education Board and Infrastructure Advisory Board as well as the board of Red Bird Mission.

Some of Jennifer’s  most treasured memories of service, however, were with the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival. She served numerous roles that included Chair of the Dance Committee, Chairperson and Secretary of the KLMF, and Secretary of the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Foundation.

“Jennifer was such a special person, friend, leader and mentor to me, I’m so so saddened by her passing, my thoughts, love and prayers are with her family,” current Bell County Judge Executive Albey Brock said.  “She achieved so many great things for Bell County. Much more than most people are aware of.  She was a true champion for all of Bell County and history will surely reflect that.”

Jennifer Jones is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years Johnny Jones of Pineville, her daughter Jonna Jones (Mike) Knox of Nicholasville, two grandchildren, one great grandson and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral Services for Jennifer Lefevers Jones will be conducted at the Arnett & Steele Funeral Home in Pineville on Thursday, September 5, 2024. Friends will be received from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Funeral at 3:00 p.m., and burial will follow at the Jones Cemetery in Ewing, VA.