Mary Jones

Mary Aleene Jones was born on May 20, 1954 in Tahlequah, OK, the daughter of Henry Carey and Nora Deerinwater. She attended Hulbert High School and went on to accomplish something she was deeply proud of—earning a college education at Northeastern State University, where she studied Accounting. While in college, she also took Cherokee Language classes and was a Cherokee speaker, valuing her culture and heritage throughout her life. In addition to her college studies, Mary completed her certification as a dental assistant through Indian Capital Technology Center, demonstrating her strong work ethic and commitment to learning.

Mary had many passions that brought her joy. She enjoyed quilting and spent many hours creating beautiful pieces by hand. She loved gardening and took great pride in her azalea bushes, which reflected the care and attention she gave to everything she nurtured. She could often be found spending time outdoors, delighting in the hummingbirds that visited her feeders. Above all, Mary treasured her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and a proud great-grandmother. A Christian by faith, she was called to her eternal rest on February 6, 2026 at the age of 71 years old. She will be greatly missed by the many lives she touched.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Henry Carey and Nora Deerinwater, one brother, Dennis Deerinwater and one brother-in-law, Dan Abbott.

Those left to remember Mary include her sons, Daniel Jones and wife Allie of Rogers, AR, David Jones of Tahlequah, OK and Matthew Jones and wife Kait of Tulsa, OK and one daughter, Cheryl Gibson of Fort Gibson, OK. She is also survived by three brothers, Henry Carey Jr. and wife Karla of Tahlequah, OK, Calvin Deerinwater and Edward Deerinwater, both of Shady Grove, OK and four sisters, Denora Abbott of Tacoma, WA, Hazel Soap, Gwendolyn Proctor and husband Jarrod and Terri Carey, all of Tahlequah, OK. Her legacy lives on through her four cherished grandchildren Joseph Gibson and fiancé Hayley Johnson of Bloomington, IN, McKenzye Jones of Fort Gibson, OK, Brooks Jones of Tulsa, OK, and Bryant Jones of Rogers, AR, three great-grandchildren, Riley, Laykin and Beau Gibson, along with a host of nieces, nephews and many other friends and loved ones.

Graveside services for Mary will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 10:00am at New Hope Cemetery in Hulbert with Reverend David Wiens officiating.