Patricia Bray Jones

Patricia Bray Jones, 85, proud mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and lifelong protector of creatures great and small, transitioned to eternal peace in San Antonio, Texas on May 23, 2026. She was born on January 11, 1941, in Houston, Texas to parents Margaret S. and Col. Francis G. Bray, US Army.

In her youth, Patricia was a competitive equestrian rider competing in the annual Pin Oak Charity Horse Show. She graduated from Lamar High School before attending Newcomb-Tulane College of Tulane University and later Texas Christian University. While in attendance at Texas Christian University, Patricia was crowned Miss Fort Worth and went on to compete in the Miss Texas pageant. After meeting in college, Patricia married Charles Wilson and they went on to have two children. She began her career at Houston Area Teachers Credit Union and later managed the Public Health Credit Union in Oklahoma City. She lived approximately half of her life in Texas, mostly in the Houston area, before reuniting with and marrying her high school sweetheart, Patrick Jones, and moving to Edmond, Oklahoma in 1981.

Patricia’s leisure time was spent enjoying her family, friends and pets, watching old westerns, reading novels, playing cards with friends, creating art of all types, discussing politics, wildlife and nature photography, and making jewelry. She was a lifelong advocate for animals and nature, rescuing many orphaned birds and animals throughout her life. She was also a talented painter and sculptor, and a gifted singer, performing with the Houston Symphony Chorus in the 1970s.

Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, Patrick Jones; son-in-law, Matthew Gruene; and step-son, Michael Jones. She is survived by her children, Kevin Wilson (Stephanie) of Austin and Kristen Gruene of San Antonio; step-daughter, Kristen Arnot (Mike) of Bradenton, Florida; grandchildren, Skyler Garcia-Crabb (Christian) of Texas City, Storm Wilson and Alex Wilson of Austin, Hannah Gruene and Charlie Gruene of San Antonio, and Rylie Arnot of Bradenton, Florida; and great-granddaughter Alexandra Garcia-Crabb of Texas City..

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Animal Defense League San Antonio.