Anita L. Jones, 88, of Alexandria, Virginia, died peacefully on June 21, 2021. Anita was born on December 13, 1932 in Warren, PA to the late Lloyd B. and Ella M. (Lesser) Jones. She was the fourteenth child of 15 born to her parents. She often said she was the only one of the fifteen children who was planned.
Following graduation from Sheffield High School in 1950, Anita moved to Washington, DC and enjoyed a 39-year career in publishing and advertising at US News and World Report. She retired in 1989, having stayed with the magazine for her entire career. During her stint at US News, Anita experienced continuous success and promotions, ending in her role as Assistant Publisher. Anita loved all aspects of the publishing business and was respected for her knowledge and passion by both the editorial and business side of the magazine. She had input on every issue that was published. Anita was proud of the magazine’s many noteworthy accomplishments—from the pithy “News You Can Use” feature to its rankings program covering everything from colleges to hospitals. She came of age in the original “Mad Men” era and was a confident and successful woman in an era quite different from today.
Anita, who was known as “Neet” was beloved by all who knew her. She immensely enjoyed traveling and took many memorable trips with friends and family. Her curiosity extended to always keeping up on the lives and pursuits of her numerous family members, particularly her nieces and nephews who numbered 50, 45 of whom survive her. Relatives knew they always had a place to stay in the Washington, DC area and as their host, Neet made sure her guests saw all the sights, even though she had seen them countless times. She had a wonderful sense of humor, was exceedingly gracious, generous and loving to all.
In retirement, she enjoyed spending time walking through Old Town Alexandria where she lived, having lunches and dinners with friends—always conversing about politics and the state of the country and world. As a member of the Mount Vernon Country Club, she was extensively involved in the women’s golf associations and became an even more avid golfer.
Anita is survived by sisters, Beverly J. Hoden and husband, George of Englewood, Florida and Bonnie J. Wolfe of Southern Pines, NC. Anita was preceded in death by 9 sisters –Leah Miley, Beatrice Host, Elaine Rader, Deleo Reiff, Janyce Bunk, Ethelyn McGuire Jorn, Vida Jean Stout, Marilyn Rose and Nancy Oliphant and three brothers Leonard, Bruce and Robert Jones.
A celebration of her life will be held in Alexandria and Warren at future dates to be determined. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Ruth M. Smith Center, 407 South Main Street, Sheffield, PA 16347. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East St., Warren, PA. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com.
Was always fun to visit Aunt Neet in D.C. And will also always remember the Messenger pass she obtained for me from U.S. News, so I was able to attend the Republican National Convention at Kemper Arena in Kansas City in 1976!
Hey Neetz, will always remember are phone chats and are E-Mails. Each time I get in the “TRACKER” I think about our ride around Old Town and what a nice time we had.
What a time we had in Grade School and growing up in Sheffield nothing could have been any better. We will always be best friends for ever and ever.
I’ll miss you.
Casey
As close neighbors of Anita my husband and I will miss her terribly. She was a good friend and a welcome addition to our lives. Always a good sense if humor and available for a time on the golf course. But what we will miss the most is her hostess abilities and her Mardi Gras party every year. It will never be the same without her. Rest in Peace dear Anita.
Deepest sympathies to all that have treasured memories of Anita. I treasure the stories told of Sheffield and Sheffield folk by my family – Hanson and Doyle families. God bless each of you as you continue to celebrate a beautiful soul.