Elaine Valentine Averna Jones

She was predeceased by her mother, Lillian Dupuy Averna; her father, Rosario “Sam” Averna; her sister, Lillian Lescale; her brother, Roy Averna; and her aunt, Sister Gertrude Dupuy (Aunt Weeze), of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Winferd “Wil” Jones (90); her children, Sharon Montgomery (Steve), Gary Jones (Sherry), and Craig Jones (Kristi). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Brandi Wilson, Lindsey Carnahan (Grayson), Lauren Jones, Paris Gabbert, Rome Gabbert, and Sophia Jones, who affectionately called her “Mémère”; her sister-in-law, Doris Averna; her brother-in-law, Melvin Lescale; and many nieces and nephews.

Elaine was a joyous soul who truly loved being around people. She greeted everyone with a bright smile and a welcoming heart. She possessed a deep love for her family and cherished holiday gatherings, or any gathering that brought family together, which reflected her close family upbringing, her strong Catholic faith, and her rich Italian and French heritage. Beyond her family, she was also blessed with a fun, loving, and supportive Bunco group who have been together since the 1980s. She was so lucky to call these wonderful ladies her dearest friends.

Her lifelong dedication to caring for others began at the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing. After graduating, she served as a charge nurse at Southern Baptist Hospital in New Orleans. It was during this time that she met her handsome husband, "Wil," whom she married in 1963. The couple later relocated to Houston—the city she would call home, raise their three children, and build a beautiful life in for the next 60 years.

While working at Northwest Memorial Hospital in Houston, Elaine met Dr. Maness, who convinced her to join his family practice. They worked side by side for more than 40 years, sharing a deep, mutual passion for enhancing the health and lives of their patients. Dr. Maness considered it a true honor to have Elaine’s unwavering dedication and trusted clinical skills.

Always striving to expand her knowledge, Elaine went on to earn both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center, graduating with honors. She truly lived and promoted a healthy lifestyle, becoming a dedicated student of wellness through personal fitness, massage, and aromatherapy. Elaine shared this passion with her community of friends and family into retirement, and she remained an active, practicing registered massage therapist right up until her final days.

Elaine walked through life guided by faith and daily reflection. She read the Daily Word every day. You are invited to order a copy of Daily Word to bring its inspiration into your own home: https://www.unity.org/en/daily-word/mag/daily-word-julyaugust-2026

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes you to make a donation to Catholic Charities in loving memory of Elaine: https://ccusa.gives/ElaineValentineJones