Iona M. Whitson

Iona was a vibrant soul who found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved watching the Game Show Network and always had her favorite shows she wouldn’t miss. A fan of quiet pastimes, she enjoyed playing solitaire on her computer and cherished any time spent with her family, especially when they were able to visit. Known for her warm presence, Iona had a gift for bringing smiles to those around her. She loved being around people, and her kindness and laughter left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She had a special fondness for flowers—particularly those given to her by her boys—and held a deep love for the beach and the ocean, where she found peace and beauty.

Iona is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Harvey S. Whitson; her children, Stan Jones, Andrea Edwards (Beaver), and Derek Jones (Lorie); stepchildren, Belinda Whitson, Yvonne Whitson, and Cindy Sutton; and her sisters, Mona Coleman and Sarah Brunson. She was a proud grandmother to 8 grandchildren: Tyler Edwards, Kaelynn Crume (Tyler), Jennica Griffith (Kyle), Charlie Jones, Joe Whitson (Cathy), Javier Gonzalez, Shenna Sutton, and Cyrus Jones, as well as a step-granddaughter, Chantell Edwards. Her legacy continues through her 7 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, Jeff Jones; her parents, Ralph and Angeline Kurynski Simpson; her brothers, John Simpson and Bud Simpson; her sister, Wanda Hackworth; and step-granddaughter, Alicia Edwards.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Iona’s life on Monday, October 20, 2025, at Ourso Funeral Home, 13533 Airline Hwy, Gonzales, LA 70737. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. She will be laid to rest at Colyell Community Cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to Ourso Funeral Home of Gonzales, Louisiana.

Iona Mae Whitson’s life was filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.