Helen May Cruchley Jones

Dr. Helen May Cruchley Jones passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026, after an amazing life. She was born in Kingston, Jamaica to Llewelyn Alexander Cruchley and his wife Myra Constance.  From an early age, she had a tremendous aptitude for reading and the acquisition of knowledge.  This was recognized where she attended high school at Immaculate Conception High in Kingston.  There, she soared to the top of the class and graduated at age 15, earning a full scholarship to Regis College in Massachusetts.  She earned her BA in chemistry and graduated in 1952.  She then earned another scholarship to attend medical school at Georgetown University in Washington DC.  There, she was one of a handful of women in the class and again distinguished herself academically, earning the prize for biochemistry.  After graduation, she did her internship at DC General Hospital and returned to Jamaica in 1958 to begin her practice.

Shortly after her return to Jamaica, she met Paul Jones, Sr. at the introduction of their mutual friend, Keith Sasso.  They were married in February 1961 and moved to rural St. Thomas, Jamaica for Paul's work as a farmer.  There, she established private practice and provided medical service to the numerous government clinics on the eastern part of the island.  Her travels took her to many small communities throughout the eastern part of the island as she was the only medical doctor for miles around.  In addition, she also worked at the small local hospital with a general surgeon.  She was well respected, widely recognized and loved by the local population.  She and Paul had 4 children and were able to provide them with the most incredible and unique upbringing any child would be lucky enough to have.

Due to circumstances beyond her control, the family made the difficult decision to leave Jamaica in 1978. Helen sat for and passed the medical board on her first try and emigrated to Ohio.  She completed residency training in family medicine and joined the practice of the Rolling Hills clinic in Springfield, Ohio.  There, she practiced until 2005, when she retired, having completed 2 distinct and distinguished careers practicing medicine in different countries. After retirement, she spent much of her time serving St. Vincent DePaul Society for under privileged people.  She moved to South Carolina in 2013 to live with her daughter, Sarah, and enjoyed travelling with her sister Sheila. She and Sheila were privileged to visit over 100 countries.

In her later years, she enjoyed playing a variety of puzzles and games and was known as the family’s permanent “Jeopardy” champion.  She also enjoyed hosting her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with great delight.

She is survived by 4 children, Dr. Paul Jones (Susan) of Naples Florida, Sarah Jones of Columbia, South Carolina, Elizabeth Denlinger of Dayton, Ohio and Susan Keough (Joe) of Cleveland Ohio.  In addition, she has 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, all of whom gave her great delight. 

She was predeceased by her husband, Paul in 2000.  We, her family, would like to express our eternal love, respect and gratitude for having had the privilege of her as our mother.  Special thanks and love go to our sister, Sarah who took exceptional care of her in her later years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 2350 August Hwy., Lexington, SC 29072 or Amedisys Hospice Care, 1900 Sunset Blvd., West Columbia, SC 29169.

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