Phyllis Jean (PJ) Jones of Grand Rapids, MI, 9/28/1952 – 10/05/2026

Surrounded by the love of her family, Phyllis (PJ) Jean Jones passed away peacefully on 10/5/2026 and was carried into the arms of Jesus. While we grieve her absence, we rejoice knowing she is safely home.

PJ was born on September 28, 1952, in Grand Rapids, MI, the daughter of Walter (Sr) and Lorraine Gutowski. She is a graduate from West Catholic High School and she spent the majority of her professional life at Michigan Bell (AT&T).

PJ was a vibrant, creative soul who enjoyed arts and crafts such as painting and sewing. An incredibly gifted artistic talent, she expressed her love for life through her creativity, leaving behind a legacy of color and imagination. Some of her happiest days were spent at the water's edge; she absolutely loved visits to the beach, finding peace in the rhythm of the waves and the warmth of the sun. This lifelong connection to the water began in her earlier years, when she spent countless joyful hours scuba diving and teaching swimming lessons, sharing her confidence and love for the water with generations of young swimmers.

Above all, her heart belonged to her family. She will always be remembered as “Grandma PJ” to her nine grandchildren, and she loved “Harmony” and “Bonus Points”. She was also a dedicated and loving sister, maintaining a deep bond with her siblings that remained a constant source of strength throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her Parents: Walter (Sr) & Lorraine Gutsowski, Husband: Martin Jones and Granddaughter: Riley May.

She is survived by her four children James P. May II (Melanie), John N. May (Melissa), Joseph C. May, and Jodie L. May: her nine grandchildren Allyson, Brendan, Kaedan, Emersyn, Preston, Gavin, Paxton, Beckham and Urban May. She also leaves behind her siblings Mary Anne (Bob) Van Bennekom, Dianne (Greg) Leech, Patricia (Ed) Nozal, Walter (Amy) Gutowski Jr., Anne (John) Stanitzek, Susan (Dan) Barr. She was a great aunt to many nieces and nephews and a special friend to many.

The family plans to host a celebration of her life at a later date, where we can gather to share stories, laughter, and memories just as she would have wanted.