Hundreds gather to remember ODU coach

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Family, friends and former colleagues gathered Monday to remember former Lady Monarchs volunteer assistant head coach Sara Jones, who last week lost a 12-year breast cancer fight.

Photos: Sara Jones Memorial Service

"I'll remember her by always bringing the energy, always having a smile on her face, always sharing a positive outlook on life. If she was suffering you never knew it. She was the most powerful, strongest person I ever met," Lady Monarchs senior guard Jackie Cook said. 

Jones, 40, served as head coach Karen Barefoot's volunteer assistant for the past two seasons and was described as "an incredible motivator" for the Old Dominion University Lady Monarchs.

"The world lost a good one. God gained a champion. For us today it's a celebration of her legacy and it will continue on but she was a special person, an inspiration and I'm just so proud to be part of her journey," Barefoot said.

Jones' memorial service was held at WAVY church in Virginia Beach.