News Summary
Yvonne Thompson Jones, a trailblazing female oceanographer and community activist, passed away at 83. Her groundbreaking work in science and commitment to civil rights has left a lasting legacy in the communities she served. Jones was a member of Federally Employed Women and advocated for representation of women of color in federal positions, showcasing her dedication both in her career and personal life. Her influence will be remembered by friends, family, and all those inspired by her contributions.
Augusta, Georgia – Yvonne Thompson Jones, a pioneering female oceanographer and community activist, passed away on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at the age of 83. Her contributions to science and her activism have left a significant impact on the communities she served throughout her life.
Born on September 1, 1942, in Warsaw, Virginia, Jones was the eldest of three daughters of Lawson R. and Annie B. Thompson. She received her education in the Richmond County school system, attending Bethethel School and Richmond County High School before graduating from St. Paul’s College in the Class of 1963, where she met her husband, the late Hardi Liddell Jones.
Jones embarked on a career in science during a time when women were underrepresented in the field, becoming one of the first female oceanographers in the 1960s. When she began her career, she noted the absence of women on NAVOCEANO ships, prompting her to seek inclusion, which resulted in her placement on a ship within a week.
Her esteemed career at the United States Navy Oceanographic Office and later with the General Services Administration spanned over three decades. She retired in 1997 after achieving the prestigious Senior Executive Service (SES) status. In 1988, she participated in the Senior Executive Fellows Program at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, further enhancing her qualifications with a course at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania on Measuring and Managing Service Quality.
Throughout her professional journey, Jones traveled extensively, with Portugal being highlighted as one of her favorite destinations. She was actively involved in Federally Employed Women and Blacks in Government, advocating for the rights and representation of women, especially women of color, in federal positions.
Jones also demonstrated her commitment to civil rights, missing a day of work on August 28, 1963, to participate in the March on Washington. After 40 years in the Washington, D.C. area, she and her husband relocated to Augusta, Georgia, to be closer to their only grandchild, where she continued to engage in her community.
In Augusta, Jones was active socially, forging many friendships and immersing herself in community service. She was a committed member of The Links, Incorporated, serving multiple terms in various leadership roles including Chapter Vice President, Financial Secretary, and Treasurer. In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded Platinum status in The Links, Incorporated in 2023.
In her personal life, Jones found joy in fishing, spending time with family, and researching her family’s genealogy on Ancestry.com. She also loved traveling, having taken over 40 cruises since she took her first in 1999, despite initial hesitations.
Jones is survived by her daughters, Dr. Miriam Yvette Atkins and Sandra (Rod) Malone; and granddaughter, Schuyler Dianne Atkins, Esq. Other family members include her sister Dianne Thompson, aunt Irene Riles Jordan, nieces Carolyn Johnson, Alison McDonald, Audra McDonald-Swenson, nephew Frank Johnson, and a wide network of cousins and friends.
Her funeral service is set for Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Galilee Baptist Church in Montross, Virginia, followed by interment at Thompsontown Cemetery in Warsaw, Virginia. Arrangements are being handled by Williams Funeral Home located in Hephzibah, Georgia.
Yvonne Thompson Jones’ legacy as a trailblazer in oceanography and as a dedicated community activist will be remembered by many who were inspired by her work and life.
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Additional Resources
- Augusta Chronicle Obituaries
- Wikipedia: Oceanography
- Legacy: Deborah Ventura Bradley Obituary
- Google Search: Yvonne Thompson Jones
- Thomas Poteet Funeral Home: Barbara Jenkins
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Yvonne Thompson Jones
- Legacy: Richard Murphy Obituary
- Google News: Yvonne Thompson Jones
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
