Eli Jones

Eli Anthony Jones, 15, of Murphy North Carolina, went to be with his Lord, Saturday, September 16, 2023. Eli was born May 4, 2008, in Blairsville, GA to Mark and Betty Jean Raper Jones. 

Eli Loved Dogs, particularly, Australian Shepherds. Being outdoors, in the woods, hunting, or just enjoying nature was his favorite place to be. He enjoyed trading things and making good deals. The most important thing in Eli's life was his love for the Lord and his faith that carried him through his difficult battle with cancer. He was of the Baptist faith and attended River Valley Baptist Church. He was known by everyone who knew him as a strong, courageous fighter who never gave up. He never complained but was always an inspiration to those whom he encountered, even sharing his faith with the nurses moments before his passing. It was his desire to be an example and hoped his faith would inspire others to trust Christ. Eli never met a stranger and loved everyone he connected with.

Eli was preceded in death by grandfather, Rev. Charles Raper; grandmother, Louise Raper; nephew, Tristan Eldridge 

He is survived by his mother Betty Jean Jones; father Mark Jones; sister Sierra Jones; brother Wayne Jones; grandfather Pete Jones; grandmother Ramona Jones; niece Adie Williams; Aunts and Uncles, Clinton (Pam) Raper, Jeannie (Michael) Romesberg, April (Dusty) Pinson, and James (Dori) Jones. A Host of great aunts, uncles, and cousins also survive.

Funeral Service, on Wednesday September 20, 2023 at 2:00 PM at River Valley Baptist Church with Doug Pritchett, Lamar Payne, Anthony Stonecipher, and Clinton Raper officiating. Music provided by Cody Cantrell. The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers, Travis Allen, Tyler Arrowwood, Clinton Romesberg, Isaac Romesberg, Cory Raper, Jonathan Jones. Honorary Pallbearers include, the freshmen class, staff, and students of Hiwassee Dam Schools, Amber Wills, Ally Murphy, Bryan Mason, and Jordan Cochran.

The family will receive friends at River Valley Baptist Church Tuesday, September 19, 2023, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM. He will lie in state at the church from 12:00 until the funeral hour on Wednesday.

Cochran Funeral Homes is honored to served the family of Mr. Eli Anthony Jones; send condelences and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.