Frances was born on September 15, 1949 to Mildred and Dennis C. Ware II in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She graduated from Lake Charles High School, where she was one of the first Black students to integrate the school in 1963. Frances, with the help of a calm demeanor and quiet confidence, successfully completed this courageous endeavor.
Frances attended Wiley College in Marshall, Texas where she met Billy W. Jones, the love of her life. Frances and Billy were married on May 30, 1969. This union was blessed with five children. Frances and Billy relocated to Houston, Texas in 1970. Frances resided at her home in Riverwood Estates for nearly 50 years. Frances and Billy were married for 34 years until Billy’s passing in 2003.
Frances had many creative talents, which included being an exceptionally skilled seamstress. She sewed high-quality fashions for herself and others for many years. Her love of African art was reflected in the beautiful decor of her home. Frances enjoyed gardening, drawing, listening to wind chimes, playing Scrabble and collecting Barbie dolls. She was a vegetarian for over 40 years. Frances was an extraordinary caretaker who often put others before herself. She truly loved caring for her family and did so with tremendous heart and compassion.
Frances was employed with Southwestern Bell/AT&T as a telephone operator. She retired after 35 years of service.
Frances was preceded in death by her husband Billy W. Jones; her father Dennis C. Ware II; and brother Rodney Burton Ware.
Frances is survived by her five children, Kellye Michelle Turner (Howard), Shannon Wayne Jones (Carla), Kandace LaRue Foreman (Perry Jr.), Stephen Wayne Jones (Kierra) and Sterling Wayne Jones. She also leaves behind a loving mother, Mrs. Mildred S. Ware and four siblings, Dennis C. Ware III, Deborah Gayle Ware, Reginald Charles Ware (Ernestine) and Ronald Frank Ware (Troye). She is treasured by her eight grandchildren, Tycecia Jefferson (Michael), Keyosha Durham, Brianna Turner, Broderick Jones, Halle Jones, Jaden Foreman, Perry Foreman III and Emma Jones; and two great-grandchildren, Kannon Jones and Cameron Jefferson. She is cherished by special family friend Fernando Lemus and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A visitation for Melverte' will be held Tuesday, March 28, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, March 28, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. A graveside service will occur Tuesday, March 28, 2023 from 2:00 PM at Brookside Memorial Park.
