Gloria Dawn Jones

Gloria Dawn (Boga, Patinka) Jones, 84, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on September 4, 2025. 

Known to all who loved her as “Tink,” she was born in 1940 in Johnson City, New York, to George and Mary Boga, Gloria grew up with a love of the outdoors, sports, and swimming. She attended the State University of New York College at Cortland, where she prepared for a lifelong career in teaching. Gloria worked for more than 35 years as a physical education teacher, as well as a swimming and synchronized swimming coach. 

In 2000, Gloria married Albert Jones, and together they shared 25 years of love and marriage. She is also survived by her children Lee (Lorin Nash) Jones and Jennifer Jones, granddaughter Chloe Jones, and her beloved dog, Honey. 

Known for her warmth, outgoing spirit, and remarkable memory for people, Gloria touched countless lives. Even decades after teaching, former students fondly remembered her, and she remembered them. In retirement at Sun City Hilton Head in Bluffton, SC, she enjoyed tennis, golf, travel, choreographing and performing in synchronized swimming, and serving as an usher at the Church of the Cross. 

A service will be held Friday, September 19, at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of the Cross, 110 Calhoun Street, Bluffton, followed by interment and a reception. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that any donations be made to the Memorial Fund at The Church of the Cross, Bluffton. Donations may be mailed to the address above, or made online: https://thechurchofthecross.net/give/