Obituary of Lynda Jones

Lynda Jones When someone means so much to so many people, they’re never really gone. Lynda was the embodiment of family, love, adventure, bravery, intelligence, generosity, support, and affection; Her love lives on, bringing comfort that she’s never really gone. A time to be born. On April 14, 1950, Lynda Jones was born in Philadelphia, PA to James “Jimmy” Jones Sr. and Sara Catherine Smith. She was the second-youngest of nine children: Ronald Saunders, Arnez Saunders, George “Jordy” Saunders, Jr., Helena Saunders King, Abasi Jymi Malik, Brenda Jones, Kenneth Jones, and Toya Smith. A time to plant. Lynda grew up and attended school in Merchantville, NJ. She graduated with the last class of Cherry Hill High School; the school became Cherry Hill West the following year. Lynda continued her academic career at the University of the District of Columbia, where she earned her degree in accounting. A time to embrace. In early adulthood, Lynda met and married Carlton Soudan and from this union they were blessed with two sons: Ade and Abdul. Eventually, she settled and made a home in Washington D.C. There, she hosted her annual “Grandma’s week”, ladies’ nights, game nights, wrote and mailed cards, volunteered with veterans, danced on DC’s senior dance team, attended aqua aerobics classes, and still had time to shop for gifts for every birthday, graduation, wedding, baby shower and holiday! A time to search. You never had to wonder how Lynda felt because she would tell you. It was often about how proud she was of her family and how much she loved them. She also loved to travel. She brought souvenirs and stories alike from the places she visited like Alaska, Canada, Egypt, Iceland, Brazil, Kenya, Ghana, and her favorite friendly island, St. Maarten. Even in retirement, grass never grew under her feet. A time to love. Lynda showed us the blueprint to live our best lives. She laughed, she loved, she danced, she learned, she travelled, she volunteered, she spoke up, she showed up (always as one of the best dressed), she enjoyed good food, she kept in touch with friends, and she was always willing to cross a bridge by car or plane to support her family. Even when life brought loss or heartache and she mourned, she still never missed a beat. Lynda lived an amazing, full life and generously shared it with all who loved her. A time for rest. On Tuesday September 28, 2021, Lynda went on to be with the Lord. She is survived by her brother Kenny and sister Toya; her sons, Ade and Abdul, and daughter-in-law, Tori; her four granddaughters; Charaé, Najah, Inaya, Niara, and her grandson Asan; her beloved nieces, nephews, grandnephews, grandnieces; and numerous dear friends, local and abroad.