Leora Louise Jones

Leora Louise Jones, a long-time resident of northern Florida, passed away Sunday, 30 April at The Beacon Assisted Living Center. Born 24 November 1929 in Isabel, Kansas, Lou received her bachelor's degree in Speech Pathology at the University of Kansas and later completed her master's degree in Special Education Administration from the University of West Florida.

Lou was a speech therapist in the Escambia school system from late 1960s. In the early 1980s, she joined the Santa Rosa school system as a Special Education Administrator. Her devotion to helping people whether it was a special needs child or an educational peer made her a well-respected member in her field.

Lou married Phillip Raymond Jones on 27 December 1950 in Medicine Lodge, Kansas. Their family grew by three - Roger, Alan, and Cheryl. Both Lou and Ray instilled enthusiastic desires in their children. Their personalities encouraged the love of education, art, music, international travel, sailing, and most importantly a dedication to strong, loving families.

Lou always told stories about her one-on-one times with each of her five grandchildren. She treasured every moment she had with them. She loved to hear the stories of the paths that each child took in life.

Lou was a member of Pensacola First United Methodist Church and volunteered in many clubs. Her passion was expressing her art through flower arranging. She was a lifetime member of the Pensacola Garden Club. She held positions such as editor for the Camelia magazine, treasurer, flower arrangement judge, as well as positions in her local chapter - Bud N' Bloom.

She is survived by her three children and spouses, Roger & Teri Jones, Alan & Cathy Jones, and Cheryl & Brett Haswell along with her grandchildren Elana Jones-McLamb & Chris McLamb, Bonnie Jones, Beth Jones, Jessica Haswell, and Isabella Haswell.

There will be a private funeral for the family next week with a Celebration of Life event to be determined at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to be made towards the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th fl., New York, N.Y. 10001 or http://www.alzfdn.org/AboutUs/network.html .