Shahnaz P. Jones

Born on January 15, 1936, in Tabriz, Iran, Shahnaz was the sixth of eight children. From an early age, she possessed a curious mind, an independent spirit, and a deep appreciation for education. She attended university, where she majored in English, and went on to become an accomplished linguist, fluent in several languages. Her education and abilities led her to the American Embassy in Tehran, where she began a distinguished career as a translator.

It was at the American Embassy that Shahnaz met Marvin Jones Jr., the man who would become her husband and lifelong companion. They married several years later and began a life together that would span countries, cultures, and generations.

Their journey took them to Kansas City, Missouri, where Shahnaz worked as an administrative assistant for Black & Veatch. When the family returned to Iran, she resumed her career at the American Embassy in Tehran, serving as Assistant Public Affairs Officer until 1977. That year, the family moved to Utah, where Marvin was stationed at Hill Air Force Base.

Shahnaz embraced her new life in America with the same determination and enthusiasm that defined her character. She enjoyed working and went on to build a successful career with Nordstrom and Lancôme, spanning more than 15 years. She took genuine pleasure in helping others look and feel their best, forming friendships and lasting connections along the way.

Shahnaz had an appreciation for beauty in all its forms, nature, in particular. Whether tending to her home and garden, caring for her appearance, or creating a welcoming space for family and friends, she approached life with elegance, pride, and attention to detail. She believed in taking care of herself, enjoyed walking and exercising, and maintained her vitality and spirit throughout her life.

She was also a wonderful cook whose kitchen was an expression of love. Her talent extended across cuisines, but the Persian dishes she lovingly prepared held a special place in the hearts of her family. No recipe was too complicated, no preparation too time-consuming, and no request too much when it came to making someone’s favorite meal. The memories created around her table will be treasured for generations.

As a mother, Shahnaz instilled independence, resilience, and self-sufficiency in her children. She encouraged them to find their own way in the world while making certain they always knew they could count on her. Her love was steadfast and her expectations high.

Shahnaz was a woman of many interests and delightful surprises. She loved poetry, followed politics and world events, and took great pride in becoming an American citizen. A presidential letter commemorating her citizenship held a place of honor in her home, a reflection of how deeply she valued the opportunities and freedoms of her adopted country.

In later years, she developed an enthusiasm for football, even winning the family Pick ’em pool on more than one occasion. She also became an avid Denver Nuggets fan. She enjoyed a little friendly competition during her game days with friends, a good joke, and, perhaps most memorably, a wonderfully mischievous sense of humor. She had an unforgettable laugh, and those who knew her best will remember that the more naughty the joke, the more it humored her.

Throughout her life, Shahnaz maintained close ties with friends, siblings, and extended family across the miles. She treasured those relationships, and the love she gave was returned by so many whose lives she touched.

Above all, Shahnaz loved her family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and a woman whose strength, warmth, wit, and generous spirit made a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Shahnaz is survived by her beloved husband, Marvin Jones Jr.; her son, Joseph Malek-Madani (Leslie); her daughter, Rebecca Jones (Paul Clements); and her stepdaughter, Dora Overend (Roger).

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kristen Pooley (Eric), Gunnar Malek-Madani (Carrie), Cyrus Malek-Madani, Kenda Copp, Sandy Ohle (Ernie), Crystal Chatraw, Holly Wait (Jason), Samm Weisansal (Harmon), and Justin Overend (Karen); 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and many other cherished family members, near and far.

Shahnaz’s life was one of courage, accomplishment, beauty, and enduring love. From her beginnings in Iran to the life she built in America, she remained true to herself: intelligent, determined, elegant, spirited, and fiercely devoted to those she loved.

We will miss her laughter, her wisdom, her wonderful cooking, and the unmistakable presence she brought into every room. Most of all, we will miss her love. Her story will live on in the family she nurtured, the traditions she shared, and the memories we will carry in our hearts forever.

A celebration of Shahnaz’s life will be held on Monday, October 19, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., at the clubhouse of Patty Jewett Golf Course, 900 E. Espanola Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80907.

Family and friends are warmly invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate a life so beautifully lived.

In Lieu of Flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Shahnaz’s honor to either the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (alzfdn.org) or Humane World for Animals (humaneworld.org).