Grace Jones has retired twice and is now enjoying her third career as a corps administrator in Princeton, Ind.
“I am using my background in business and my degrees in ministry. They have merged together,” Grace said. “This was the time I was created for, at age 69. I love it!”
In 2023, due to the health issues of an incoming officer, the Princeton Corps was left without leadership. Divisional leaders found themselves considering Grace, a soldier at the Kokomo, Ind., Corps, for the position.
“Grace, a lifelong Salvationist, came with some great skills and knowledge. Most of all she has a desire to serve God,” said Major Karen Johnson, Indiana divisional leader for officer development. “We were trying to find a good fit. We really believe God brought Grace to mind.”
Grace thought so too, and she accepted and began her new position in January 2024. She has committed to the job until June 2025—perhaps longer.
“I’ll be here as long as the Lord wants me here,” Grace said.
She grew up attending the Waukegan, Ill., Corps, and went to college at what is now Indiana Wesleyan University. Returning to Waukegan, she became a nursing home administrator. Her career took her to work for a large senior housing company in Chicago.
As a regional director and a vice president of operations, she worked with large budgets, did due diligence for potential properties and managed large continuing care retirement communities, serving seniors in all levels of retirement and health care. Since many of the sites were in the west, she moved to Denver, Colo.
When Grace retired, she moved back to Kokomo where she opened The Popcorn Café, becoming known as “the popcorn lady” in town.
“I still am ‘the popcorn lady,’” she said with a gentle laugh, referring to people who still stop her on the street of her hometown.
Grace sold the cafe after nine years and was working as a chaplain at an assisted living facility when Major Marc Johnson, Indiana divisional commander, approached her about leading the Princeton Corps.
Now, her days are filled with everything from managing the front office to preaching on Sundays.
“I am doing every function of a corps officer, although I missed the opportunity to go through officers’ training,” Grace said.
She has applied for a grant to revitalize the corps’ recreation program.
“We need to find a way to make a positive impact on all generations in this community and to make our gym program a viable community center again,” she said.
Her intentionality applies to all corps programs and events. For example, the senior group holds monthly Bingo where they are asked to bring non-perishable food items for the pantry. Grace encourages corps members to welcome and interact with them.
“When anyone comes through the doors, we are the hands and feet of Jesus,” Grace said. “As a result of being intentional, we have seen more people come to church and to Sunday meals.”
A third retirement is not on Grace’s agenda.
“There is nothing in the Bible that says when you get to be 70 years old you have to retire,” she said. “I want to make every moment I have count. I want to finish well.”