"I wish for the family, God's strength, peace and comfort at this time of your loss.
Myrna Henderson, friend of
Amanda's grandmother, Ava
"
In loving memory of
Amanda Christine Jones
September 8, 1985 - May 6, 2018
Someone who was genuine, caring, generous, very outgoing, and was always thinking of other people are just a few ways to describe Amanda Jones. A few pieces of history that occurred in 1985 include the release of the Nintendo Entertainment System, Michael Jordan was named the NBA Rookie of the Year, the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan, was serving his second term in office, and on September 8, the welcoming of Amanda Christine to James and Linda (Sederlund) Borders in Columbia City, IN.
As a child Amanda enjoyed playing with Grandpa Sederlund. From a young age she always had the desire to read and until just recently, Amanda was actively involved in soccer. Amanda attended local schools and graduated from Columbia City High School with the Class of 2004. During that time she was a member of the National Honor Society, S.A.D.D. President in her senior year, and an avid soccer player earning Second Team All-Conference. She then attended Huntington University and graduated earning her Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education Social Studies, with the Class of 2008. As a young adult Amanda became very involved in the Youth Group at First Church of God, in Columbia City, where she attended.
Amanda met the man of her dreams, Cody, after she and a friend were fashionably late for a gathering to watch fireworks and directed by his friend to wait at the apartment they shared. Upon arriving Cody had no idea who the two ladies were, but invited them in anyway, starting the beginning of a lasting love. The greatest day of Amanda's life was on October 7, 2011, when she married Cody Austin Jones at First Baptist Church in Fort Wayne.
Amanda was pretty well known as a server at Pizza Hut in Columbia City, where she worked for 15 years. She also loved being a Family Consumer Sciences teacher at Leo Jr./Sr. High School, since 2015, and truly cared about her students. She had a firm but compassionate style and her students speak very highly of her. Amanda taught her students responsibility and the joy of providing for others. Amanda enjoyed being a great host, baking for others, reading, caring for nieces and nephews, and teaching today's youth useful things for their future.
Amanda loved giving gifts, and stood up for what was right. She enjoyed having get togethers at her home, and loved Christmas. During these gatherings, she always arranged crafts and themes, so that everyone would have an enjoyable time. She liked taking life slow, not being rushed, except at Thanksgiving and Christmas, when there was complete chaos. Providing the full "Christmas Experience" and love for hosting wasn't fully realized until after her mother Linda's passing several years ago. Amanda didn't let emotions build up confronting discord immediately. Amanda shared a deep love for all of her family. She gave of herself and focused on being generous and compassionate. She impacted lives with her love, warm smile, and huge heart. Amanda was always bright and cheerful, had a positive outlook on everything she did, and had the determination to achieve anything she desired, whether it was getting a certain pair of shoes or helping someone in need. As the family grew through marriages, fostering children and births, Amanda embraced each new member with love. Amanda always made everyone feel as if they were part of the family completely, and keeping family together was very important to her.
Amanda regularly reviewed cards she received, she thought of those that also thought of her and during vacations she loved taking photos and creating memory books of the occasion from them. Baking was another specialty for Amanda. She created candies, cookies, dips, and wonderful cupcakes. Amanda was also great at remembering birthdays and anniversaries, often having her Christmas shopping done by July each year.
Amanda's NFL team was the Indianapolis Colts, her NBA team was the Indiana Pacers, her college team was Notre Dame, and her sports knowledge of knowing the players and certain stats often surprised her male friends. She also watched other shows on television that included The Bachelor, Gilmore Girls, Full House, Friends, Saved by the Bell, and U.S. Women's Soccer. Amanda enjoyed music by Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill, and Tim McGraw and reading every book The Pursuit of Reading or anything related to history.
The lives of those who knew and loved Amanda Jones were forever changed when she passed away unexpectedly at 7:13 pm on Sunday May 6, 2018 at her residence. She will be remembered in the hearts of everyone that knew her forever.
Survivors include her loving husband Cody Jones of Fort Wayne; father Jim (Vicky) Borders of Columbia City; siblings Brandon (Brenda) Borders of Fort Wayne, Andy (Natalie) Kyler of Pierceton, Amanda Robertson of Larwill, Alyssa (Bradley) Allen of Everett, WA, Alex (Ashley) Carlin, Anna (Tyler) Sederlund, and Addie (Seth) Hicks, all of Columbia City; grandmothers Elaine Sederlund and Avanell Borders, both of Columbia City; uncles Mark (April) Sederlund of New Salisbury, IN and Alan (Luann) Sederlund of Fort Wayne; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother Linda Borders and grandfathers Carl Sederlund and Floyd Borders.
Funeral services for Amanda will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday May 12, 2018 at First Church of God, 1200 Depoy Drive, Columbia City, with calling to follow until 4:00 pm at the church. Private family burial will take place in Nolt Cemetery, Columbia City. Memorial contributions in memory of Amanda may be made to Destiny Rescue. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send the family a condolence.
Tributes
"When she taught me in seventh grade I was suspended and missed a project, she took time out of her life to help me finish it."
"When she taught me in seventh grade I was suspended and missed a project, she took time out of her life to help me finish it."
"May God give you strength in this time of grief and fond memories of Amanda Borders Jones, CCHS Alumni Class of 2004. The Alumni of CCHS extends sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers to Amanda's family. www.cchsaa.org per TLG"
"I didn't know her long, only a few years as a teacher, but she managed to impact me in more ways than I realized at the time. I'm going to miss seeing her standing outside her door every day and welcoming all her students with a soft smile and warm "hello". She was so patient. This year our 18-student class literally had 56 missing assignments, and yet she still tried to encourage us every day, and bribe us with her to-die-for cupcakes. We never got to try those cupcakes. She simply had that kind of personality that was easy to feel welcome around. There was so many good times in her class and I always looked forward to it. One time, an innocent girl asked Mrs. Jones, "Wait? Boys get their periods too?" and all Mrs. Jones could do was try to hold back a chuckle, and move the class onward. We will think of her often, and all that she taught us. Not just the school things, but also the life things. "
"Jim and family, I am so sorry about Amanda's passing. I can't imagine anything worse for you, Jim, but I pray it brings you some comfort in knowing how much she was loved by so many. Praying for you."
"Mrs. Jones had been my teacher for the past 3 years. It?s so sad to see such a beautiful soul leave so soon. She impacted me very much during the times I?ve gotten to know her and I have learned great things from her. To me, she wasn?t just a teacher, she was a friend..We all loved her very much! She will be missed deeply."
"So sorry for your loss!! This is so shocking! What a beautiful lady she is!!! My heart goes out to you/1 I need to give you a big hug Vicky when you return to work! Send my love to your husband and the rest of your family!! Love you so!"
"I was Amanda's 3rd grade teacher at Mary Raber in Columbia City. Though I haven't seen her since that time, I remember her as a very serious and pleasant student. I could not forget her sweet face. I am thrilled to know she became a teacher, and I know she was a wonderful influence in her students' lives. I am so sorry for her husband and family's loss. God be with you all, as I'm sure this is a painful loss. Peace be with you. Jo Ellen Rush"
"Two of our boys have had Mrs. Jones for Foods at Leo HS. They both loved her and often spoke of her authentic love for her job and students. We are heartbroken at the loss of such a precious gift for our kids, community, and school. We are praying for her family and her students. "
"As a co-teacher with Amanda, I will miss her positive approach and care for all her students. We enjoyed working together and encouraging students with practical and life lessons in Family and Consumer Science at Leo. My prayers to all Amanda?s family. She will be missed by all. God Bless you all. "
"Cody and Amanda?s family, I am so terribly sorry. I ate lunch every day with Amanda for the past three years at Leo. I loved seeing photos of her nieces and nephews and hearing how she could scare Cody by screaming or shouting in her sleep. She adored you all as we did her. She will be greatly missed. I will be praying for her entire family through this most difficult time."
"As a co-teacher with Amanda, I will miss her positive approach and care for all her students. We enjoyed working together and encouraging students with practical and life lessons in Family and Consumer Science at Leo. My prayers to all Amanda?s family. She will be missed by all. God Bless you all. "
"I am a student of Mrs. J?s of two years. I have Grown close with her on a personal level as she helped me with my career choices and helped me as a person in general. I am So blessed to have known such a kind hearted and caring teacher. She has always been there for her students no matter what and always wanted them to be the best version of themselves. My favorite memory with Mrs. J is when she told me she has been to two Usher concerts; so we played usher and made her sing to it, she was so embarrassed. She really came out of her shell over the two years I?ve been with her and God had really gained the most beautiful and loving angel. Thank you for everything Mrs. J. We love you! "
"She was our waitress at Pizza hut she always shared her love of books with us will miss her "
"Amanda was our waitress from time to time at Pizza hut She was our waitress at Pizza hut she always shared her love of books with us
She was a great lady "
"Amanda, you will be so very much missed by friends, family and the children that you helped. Cody we are so sorry to hear this. Love you both. Uncle Ron and Aunt Rita"
"Mrs Jones was always the smiling face in the hallway whenever I was having a bad day. She knew exactly what to say to life my spirits without fail day in and day out. She was an amazing teacher and mentor throughout my high school years at Leo. She was such a kind and compassionate person and will be missed so deeply. - A former student "
"I walked into School today expecting a normal sluggish Monday...but this, I would have every day be Monday if I could change this for everyone. My father passed this year, Mrs. Jones talked to me many days making sure I was alright. Making sure I knew she understood. She was trusted and a guide for me. She wasn't just a teacher, but a role model, a light to many of us darkened teenagers. My mind doesn't want to process this. However, such a beautiful person is now in such a beautiful place, telling the Angels tips on how to make a beautiful cupcake. I loved her like a best friend. Cody and family, my heart breaks for y'all. She spoke of you guys ALL the time . She LOVES you all."
"I had only one class with Mrs. Jones, but I'll never forget it. She pushed us to do our best work and was very supportive. She was a wonderful teacher and acquaintance; she always made sure to ask me how my day was, and if it wasn't going well, she would brighten it. After leaving high school last year, I decided to study education because of the good influence she and other teachers had on me during my school years. I was very sad and shocked to hear about her passing and I send my thoughts and prayers to her close friends and family. "
"Mrs. Jones was not only a teacher to me, but truly such an amazing friend. I will NEVER forgot the many days I would wake up at 5:30AM just to make sure I could get ready for school and get us food! My friend Laura and I would go get us all breakfast and Starbucks. We would arrive to school so early with food and drinks just to have heart to hearts with her. She was ALWAYS there for each an every person. I adored her love for Usher, cupcakes, playing soccer, and her husband. I will never forget the memories I shared with her. I hope they serve ENDLESS biscuits and gravy with a white chocolate mochas in heaven! She impacted SO many lives. We all will miss her so much. -A former student "
"Dear Jim, Brandon, and Families, we just heard about Amanda, our hearts are all breaking. I don't even know what to say, we are all in shock. Our kids grew up playing together, this isn't supposed to happen this way. The only comfort I can even feel within my heart is knowing that Amanda and Linda are together again, rejoicing in the presence of Our Lord. Please no our entire family is lifting you up in prayer and that we love you with all of our hearts so very much. May God embrace you with in his loving arms. Laurie, Bud, Shannon, Daniel, Mackenzie, Lindsey and Cody"
"Mrs. Jones was always such a wonderful teacher and soul. She was always smiling and she made learning so much more enjoyable. I looked forward to her class every day. She was so sweet and understanding of everything. She brought so much joy to our school and she will be missed deeply. -A former student "
"Sweet Amanda, we will all miss you so. Your sudden passing is a struggle to realize, but knowing that you are now wrapped tightly in our Lord?s arms, brings comfort. To Amanda,s husband, Cody, and to all family, please know you are in my prayers. Your Amanda is/was a real jewel. Her smiles and numerous conversations, I will miss...it has been a privilege to call her friend these last few years at Leo Jr. Sr. High School. "
"I am so sorry to hear the sad news of Amanda's sudden passing. I have many memories of her as a very good soccer player as well as a fine student. I know this is a very sad time for her family and also for her own students. I wish to extend my deepest sympathies as well as my promise of prayers for you all"
"May each of you find courage to face tomorrow as you rest in the knowledge that we truly care about each of your needs and that we will walk beside you in your journey of grief. Randy Grimes, Brett Gerber and the Staff of DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home "