Penny Elaine Thomas-Jones

Penny Elaine (Mahone) Thomas-Jones was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. She left this world on September 7, 2024, at age 64.

She was born to the late Ebbie “Eva” Louise (Favors) (Henderson) Mahone and the late Rupert Mahone on April 21, 1960. During her earlier life, she was born into a society of racism meaning she was too white to be black and she was too black to be white. She said at a young age when her mother would take her to the doctor, they had to sit in the colored waiting room but when she went to the doctor with her dad, she had to use the white only waiting room. Scott, her brother, was very patient with her, teaching her everything he had already learned about life. Once someone asked her, “What grade are you in?” She asked Scott and he said, “zero grade” (because she was in kindergarten) – so she repeated it proudly, “I’m in zero grade.” 

After graduating from Griffin High School, she went to Middle Georgia College, a two-year institution and on to the University of West Georgia, but had to return to her hometown of Griffin, GA to care for her mother. She met and married her husband, Jimmy Lee Thomas. One son, Jason Romon Thomas, was born to this union. After their marriage ended, she later married Ernest Jones and together they adopted Brittany Anise-Nicole Jones. This marriage also ended. Afterwards, she no longer wished to be married but to live according to the Will of God reflecting on Matthew 16:24 “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone wishes to come after ME, he (she) must deny himself (herself), and take up his cross and follow Me.”

Penny then relived her lifelong dream of completing her higher education degree from Strayer University, graduating Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources Management. She began her career at the Cobb-Douglas County Service Board in Lithia Springs, GA and later with Highland Rivers Behavioral Health of Cobb County. She served and counseled many mentally disadvantaged community members to obtain housing, employment, and other resources. After many years, her health began to fail with high blood pressure and heart problems, which led to the first stroke. After months of rehabilitation, she was able to return to work but at a reduced capacity.

She then went to work for what was later called “Highland River Behavioral Health – A.C.T. Team” as a Vocational Specialist assisting the mental health community with workforce engagements. She was committed to continually achieving higher levels of performance by involving personal resilience and orientation toward learning and improvement that helps organizations develop and grow stronger from continuous market challenges and disruptions. After several years of tireless service – she had health problems again, and decided to change her career and was blessed to serve at Atlanco until retirement.

Those who cherish her sweet memories include her son Jason (Nicole) Thomas, their children Kamaree, J’son (Mez), Cameron (Cam). Her daughter Brittany Jones and children Kennedy (Ken-Ken), Kyla and Kamya. Nieces, Vanessa and Angela Henderson and nephew, Andrew Mahone. One brother, Scott (Queen) Mahone and deceased brother Charles (Anne) Henderson, her dear cousin/sister Debra Lee along with her other cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by niece Connie Henderson and nephew Gregory (Lonnie) Henderson.