Joy D. Jones, former Primary general president for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, continues to bless the lives of individuals on both sides of the veil.
Jones, who was the 13th president of the Church’s children organization inspired children and parents worldwide. Presiding over the primary from 2016 to 2021, Jones was instrumental in the transition to two-hour worship services and "Come, Follow Me" resource adoption worldwide.
This article is part of a series looking at general officers of the Church and where they are now.
In her tenure, she spoke in a number of important meetings including the 2018 Utah Coalition Against Pornography conference, the first ever “Sister to Sister” Q&A meeting and she prayed at the White House National Day of Prayer in 2019.
Following her time as president, she and her husband served as ecclesiastical leaders at the Provo Missionary Training Center.
“We cherished the opportunity to work beside remarkably dedicated young adults and missionaries, many of whom were Primary children during my tenure,” she said.
She was then called as assistant to the matron in the Draper Utah Temple. She serves alongside her husband who is second counselor in the temple presidency. Together, they “cherish the humbling blessing of being in the House of the Lord on a continual basis.”
Temple presidents, counselors, matrons and assistants to the matrons are called to oversee all activities performed at the temple; to help gather scattered Israel. Assisting with the work of salvation and exaltation on both sides of the veil, Jones helps with both vicarious and living ordinances.
“We have testimonies of the great work that is accomplished in temples around the world to help gather Israel as we honor ordinances and covenants,” she said.
Jones explained that working with her husband is “priceless” and serving together in the temple “is the greatest blessing imaginable.”
“I can’t describe what a truly joyful experience it is to serve the Lord in His House together,” she said.
Given her time working with Primary children, Jones loves being able to welcome youth who attend the temple.
“It is priceless to welcome children coming to the temple for the first time” she said. “We have so many youth who come to serve in the temple every week and we welcome them with open arms.”
Three years after her release as Primary general president, Jones looks back at the time of her life with joy and awe.
“I am so grateful for the blessing of serving on the general level in Primary. I loved meeting faithful children and adults around the world so devoted to the gospel of Jesus Christ,” she said.
Jones said the many lessons she learned while working with other Church leaders continue to affect her work today.
“I learned life changing lessons from them and from our inspired leaders who guide and direct us in these Latter-days," she said. "We are led by a Prophet of God! His example and the example of his counselors, the Quorum of the Twelve and the other leaders I associated with only increased my intense desire to seek after my Savior, to serve Him with all my heart and to strive to become more like Him."
Jones hopes Church members recognize how important the temple is. Pointing to President Russell M. Nelson’s October 2024 General Conference talk, Jones explains that she “cherishes” his words.
“Here is my promise to you: Every sincere seeker of Jesus Christ will find him in the temple. You will feel his mercy. You will find answers to your most vexing questions. You will better comprehend the joy of his gospel,” he said.
Given the many years, and many different roles she has played in Jesus Christ’s Church, Jones “delights in this great work, wherever I can serve Him.”
