But it is not a big celebration, more a ''chalking up'' of the milestone, the 64-year-old says.
''Every day above ground is a good one and worthy of celebration.''
Mrs Jones had the transplant in Christchurch in September 1983, making her the longest surviving kidney transplant patient in Otago.
She said she lost her kidneys after a long battle with an infection which began when she was about 16.
''I wasn't diagnosed properly. I just got sicker and sicker.
''I had three and a-half years on dialysis - eight hours every second day. It was hell.
''Being tied to the machine, I didn't really have a life. But without it, you die.''
Mrs Jones was put on a kidney transplant waiting list, and was lucky a match came up.
She was told the estimated lifespan for kidney transplant patients was about seven years.
''One year went on to the next and before I knew it, 30 years have gone by.''
Southern District Health Board consultant nephrologist Dr John Schollum said Mrs Jones was a remarkable woman because her transplant had lasted 30 years, when the average survival rate of someone her age was 15 years.
Because she had taken good care of the organ, he believed it could last her for many more years.
''The chance of people in her cohort of getting to 30 years is 5% to 7%.''
Mrs Jones said the transplant was her greatest gift because it had given her 30 extra years of ''quality'' life.
And while the milestone was worthy of celebration, she would not be throwing a big party because she was aware of the major sacrifice made by someone to keep her alive.
''I don't know who donated the kidney, but I'm tremendously grateful. I think of the family of the person who gave me that kidney.
''While it's something to celebrate, they gave me the gift of life and I'm respectful of the family that gave it. I always think about them. They've done a wonderful thing.''
She said ''the extra time'' had allowed her to watch her daughter get married and see her three grandchildren grow up.
Even the simple things in life, like watching her garden grow and the seasons change, gave her joy.
''It's taught me not to take life for granted - I don't hate anything.
''I feel very, very grateful.''
Dr Schollum said about 100 people were on dialysis in Otago and 15 to 20 of them were awaiting a kidney transplant.
About 85% of donated kidneys came from living donors, and he encouraged people to consider donating one of their kidneys to help people like Mrs Jones.
''There is a need for donors.''
