Amanda Christine Jones

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.