Dianne Register Jones, 84, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on October 9, 2024 at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill, NC with her loving family by her side.
Dianne was born on August 21, 1940 to the late Ralph Waldo Register and the late Etta Sue Register in Brunswick County, NC. Dianne grew up in Shallotte Point and graduated from Shallotte High School in 1959.
In 1959 she met the love of her life and beloved husband Jarvis Jones in Myrtle Beach, SC and went on to have 2 sons, Jarvis “Tony” Anthony Jones and Jeremy “Jere” Lynn Jones.
She and her husband moved to Oak Island, NC in 1963 and owned and operated Jones Seafood House starting in 1964 for 38 years. They were known for having the best calabash seafood and hushpuppies on the coast and were recognized in the North Carolina Expatriates. There were very few people in Oak Island or Southport that did not work at Jones Seafood House while they were in high school or college during the summer months. Dianne became a 2nd mother to many of her employees and always took good care of them.
Dianne and Jarvis were married for 45 years.
She was a member of Ocean View United Methodist Church on Oak Island, NC starting in 1963.
She was a Boy Scout “Den Mother” from 1970 to 1974 and an inaugural member of the Women of the Moose.
In 2002 Dianne retired and spent much of her time with her cherished and adored grandchildren; attending their dance recitals, sports and special events. She was so very proud of them and always shared their accomplishments. She was lovingly known as “Granny” and “Granny Beach” not only to her grandchildren, but everyone who met her. Her loving, caring and nurturing ways made her an instant Granny to all. Even in her final days, the CICU staff at UNC Hospital was thrilled to call her Granny.
Dianne was known for her strong will, unwavering determination to overcome any battle, her funny and infectious wit and humor with hilarious jokes, and the most unconditional love and support for her family. She enjoyed going to the beach, spending time talking on the phone with her sister Marilyn every night as they watched Dancing With the Stars together, crocheting, arts and crafts, putting together anything and everything with or without instructions, taking care of her baby brother Bo, and her one true love… Cooking. She was famous for making the best chocolate and coconut pies, winning 1st place in a local baking competition in Southport, NC. She loved cooking everyday and often stayed up all night preparing special meals during the holidays. She constantly changed her recipes, always doctoring them up to make them better than the original. So when you asked for a recipe you were prepared to hear, “I don’t measure and I changed the recipe!”
She had a true servant’s heart and absolutely loved watching her family and friends eat as she waited on them hand and foot to make sure each one had more than enough. Now Jesus has a table spread for her.
We can truly say Dianne was a Proverbs 31 Woman.
“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”
Preceded in joining the Lord in addition to her parents are her husband, Gettie Jarvis Jones; a son, Jarvis Anthony “Tony” Jones; a sister, Viola “Vi” Woods; brothers Malcolm “Mac” Register, and James “Jimmy” Register.
Surviving are her son, Jeremy “Jere” Jones (Wendy), Southport, NC; brother, Robert “Bo” Register, Oak Island, NC; sisters, Marilyn Tripp, and Jean Benton (Odell) both of Shallotte, NC, and Jackie Beaulieu (Freddie) of Wilmington, NC; grandchildren, Jordan, Danielle (Davis) Jerelyn and Bethany (fiancée Nik); and a great grandson, Brooks, and many special nieces and nephews whom she loved very much.
A special thank you to all of Granny’s caregivers, her doctors and nurses that gave her the best medical care possible and to Jesus Christ who extended her life far beyond her medical diagnoses.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Power Walking Ministries, a local shoe ministry for students in need of tennis shoes in Brunswick County. Granny loved children and loved shoes so her legacy will continue to bless the feet of those who need good shoes for school.
Donations may be sent to Power Walking Ministries, P.O. Box 10418, Southport, NC 28451 or powerwalkingministries.com
Visitation will be at 10:00 AM and Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM, Monday, October 14, 2024, at Brunswick Funeral Service Chapel, 5229 Ocean Hwy W, Shallotte, NC.
Burial will follow in Brunswick Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be John Lawrence, Tim Bell, Albert Elrod, Brent Williams, Jim Kenny and Gerald Spencer. Honorary bearers will be her caregivers and lifelong friends, Gail Ballard, Penny Jennings, Connie Thompson, Kim Williams, Tina Garland and Brandy Barrier.