Betty H. Jons

After a rich and blessed life highlighted by a deep faith, Betty H. Jons passed away peacefully on May 21, 2016 at the age of 85. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Betty’s faith was of the upmost importance to her and it grew richer and deeper every year. After her husband, Richard “Dick” Jons passed away in 1997, she found comfort in reading and studying the books in the Christian library she and Dick had accumulated together in their journey with the Lord. She particularly loved reading her books of heaven and the afterlife. Each one is full of her personal notes, reflections and many sentences underlined in red or highlighted in yellow. She was always curious to learn and share what her departed loved ones were experiencing in heaven. There is no doubt she was greeted “home” and is now joined with them in the presence of the Lord.

Betty was born in St. Louis, Missouri on March 7, 1931, the youngest child of John Henderson Hall and Helen Marie Eisenhut. In 1936, the family moved to Fort Worth, Texas. At age 7, Betty studied under Grace Ward Lankford, a noted pianist. By age 12 she had memorized the entire 21 page Warsaw Concerto and performed it in a private piano recital in the family home. She attended the Hockaday School in Dallas and graduated from Paschal High School in Fort Worth. Her childhood summer visits to Uncle Lester’s farm in East Texas and attending Camp Waldemar in Hunt, Texas were her fondest childhood memories.

In 1951, upon graduation from Christian College in Columbia Missouri, she moved back to Fort Worth. A family acquaintance arranged a blind date with a “friend of a friend” who was stationed at Carswell Airforce Base, Richard “Dick” Jons. It was love at first sight. This first date was to a dinner club in Fort Worth where Louis Armstrong and his orchestra were performing. They danced the night away and “Hello Dolly” was definitely their song. They were married on December 12, 1951 at TCU University Christian Church. They lived in Fort Worth until Dick finished his commitment to the US Airforce. Their next move was to Austin, Texas for Dick to attend Graduate School at the University of Texas.

In 1957 they located to Midland, Texas where Dick commenced his geology career. Betty loved being involved in her children’s activities. She served as President of Sam Houston PTA, home room mother for each daughter and Girl Scout mom volunteer. She was a Member of the Children’s Service League, charter member of the Midland Symphony Guild, President of the Midland Woman’s Club, and Museum of the Southwest volunteer, Permian Basin Petroleum Museum Santa Rita Club, Midland Republican Women, Permian Geological Wives Auxiliary and an Alumni of Zeta Tau Alpha. Betty and Dick were members of the West Texas Rose Society and earned their Rosarian Certification. Growing roses and giving each bush (all 128) a special name was a hobby they enjoyed together. She was a devoted member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, dedicated member of the Altar Guild, Daughters of the King, Pastoral Care Council and a faithful soprano in the church choir. She completed the two year Bethel Bible study course, taught by her husband. She attended Community Bible Study for many years to give her a disciplined study of the Word. One of her most meaningful trips was a pilgrimage to the Holy Lands with Derek Prince Ministries. All of the biblical studies and teachings Dick and Betty shared together became alive, three dimensional and elevated their understanding of the Bible and enriched their deep love of God.

Betty was predeceased in death, by her parents, an infant son, loving husband and best friend of 46 years, Richard D. Jons, her brothers, John H. Hall, Jr. and Frank E. Hall. She is survived by her daughters, Kay Bancroft and husband Ben Bancroft of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Lori Dawson and husband Joe Dawson of Midland, Texas, her granddaughter, Hollis Hunter Bancroft of Dallas, Texas, sister-in-laws, Ditas Hall, Tish Hall, niece, Tracey Hime and nephew, Franklin Hall all of Austin, Texas.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all the staff at Helen Greathouse Manor at Manor Park, Visiting Angels and Dr. Chau Le.

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 24, 2016 from 6:00 pm- 7:00 pm at Ellis Funeral Home. A private graveside will be held.

The family suggests memorials may be directed to Midland Energy Library, 2900 West Front, Midland, Texas, 79701 Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 1412 West Illinois, Midland, Texas 79701 or Manor Park, Inc. Employee Christmas Fund, 2208 North Loop 250 West, Midland, Texas 79707.