Published: October 26, 2009 11:22 pm      

Toni (Beckward) Jones [Cumberland]

CUMBERLAND — Toni Beckward Jones passed away peacefully in her home on Oct. 25, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Toni was born June 17, 1949 in Cumberland, and was a 1966 graduate of Allegany High School. She was preceded in death by her parents, William Leo Beckward and Virginia (Taylor) Beckward; and her sister, Judith Beckward.

Shortly after the untimely death of her first husband, Gary ‘Bud’ Stephens in 1979, Toni relocated to New Carrolton, with her two sons, Derik Stephens and Marcus Step-hens. It was there that she met and married Richard W. Jones, her husband of nearly 20 years, and they resided together in Silver Spring.

Toni will always be known for her elegance and grace, her smile and infectious laugh, and her abundant joy for life. But mostly she will be remembered for her genuine love and compassion for others, especially those who are less fortunate. Upon graduating from the University of Maryland with majors in English Literature and African American Studies, Toni pursued her life-long ambition to help people in need. She worked fervently as a social worker for several years at Calvary Women’s Shelter in Washington, D.C. and then as Director of the Family Transitional Homeless Shelter in Hyatts-ville. She later served as a substitute school teacher in Montgomery County, and as a volunteer aid with senior citizens before retiring and returning to Cumberland with her husband in 2005.

Upon returning to her hometown, Toni pursued her creative passions, and began designing artificial flower arrangements under the name of Toni’s Wildflowers. For some time she vended her lovely creations, along with collectible items and antiques at the Fort Cumberland Emporium in downtown Cumberland.

In addition to her dear husband and treasured sons, Toni is survived by a number of beloved family members, including her sister, Virginia Stewart and husband Daniel; her sister, Lois Fisher and husband Roland; and her brother, William “Buster” Beckward. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren, whom she absolutely adored, and many uncles, aunts, cousins and friends; far too numerous to mention by name, yet she held a very special place in her heart for each and every one of them.

A memorial service will be conducted at the Adams Family Funeral Home, 404 Decatur St., Cumberland, AdamsFamilyFuneralHome.com at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009 with the Rev. John Gibbins, PhD officiating. Friends will be received at the funeral home prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m.