Nellie Jones was born September 15, 1927, the youngest of three daughters, in Slater, Missouri, a small farming community northeast of Marshall. She remembered the depression and the tough times it brought. Nellie played the clarinet, marched in the band, and was Homecoming Queen. She met her husband of 64 years, Kenneth Jones, in high school.
Nellie worked as secretary for the Slater Superintendent of Schools right after graduation until she and Kenneth married in 1947. They moved to Kansas City, became active in their church, and made many life-long friends. Their first son died a few months after birth; a daughter and son followed. Nellie was a stay at home mom and made a lovely home.
Nellie and Kenneth moved to Raytown and their church, Calvary United Methodist Church, moved as well. They participated in the activities of their Sunday School class, Kenneth served on many committees, and Nellie was active in the Christian Women’s Fellowship.
Nellie and Kenneth enjoyed collecting antiques. Kenneth’s hobby was photography and Nellie was his favorite subject.
Kenneth and Nellie purchased Dollins Tool, a tool and die company he had long worked for in Independence. Nellie worked part time in the office, responsible for payroll and accounting.
Over and over, Kenneth would say that he could not have been successful in business or served on community committees if Nellie had not been his gracious hostess, been frugal with home finances, and made their lovely home.
After retirement, Nellie and Kenneth became active members of Colonial Presbyterian Church in Kansas City. They traveled around this country as well as many countries of the world for business and pleasure, alone and with friends.
Nellie’s main focus over her life has been her family. She was the last member of her immediate family and the matriarch of the next generations. Nellie had two children Deb Jones Williams (Michael Williams, husband) and Greg Jones (Sandy Jones, wife), five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. She also had many nieces and nephews that she was very close to. Pam, her caregiver for over six years before she came to live in Columbia, is one of those nieces.
Nellie faced her diminished memory with grace and dignity. Everyone remembered her smile and sweet disposition.
Nellie’s service will be on Thursday, March 24; visitation will be at 10 AM with the services at 11 AM at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131, 816-942-2004.
In lieu of flowers, please consider Colonial Presbyterian Church Missions or the Alzheimer’s Association.
