OBITUARY
Mary Elaine Jones
July 12, 1946 – February 18, 2021
Mary Elaine Jones, 74, of Keithville, Louisiana, passed away in her home on Thursday, February 18, 2021.
Elaine, as she was known by her family and friends, was a kind and sweet person. She was born in Orange, Texas on July 12, 1946 to Morris and Emma (Vercher) Thomassee. She grew up in Natchitoches, Louisiana where she graduated from Natchitoches High School in 1964. It was in her hometown that she met the love of her life, Jimmy, and eventually settled in the small town of Keithville. The two were married in 1972 and would have celebrated their 50th anniversary next year. She worked alongside her husband at Western Electric, but eventually switched paths into childcare where she worked at Calvary Baptist Daycare. Her dream was to one day be a mother of her own, and she did. She spent the majority of her later life as a stay-at-home mom, and eventually was called back to childcare. She loved kids, and she loved taking care of people.
Elaine also had a love of gardening and animals, specifically cats. She enjoyed traveling and was lucky enough to see nearly everything from Key West to Mount Saint Helen. She was an avid garage saler and loved a good find. Crafts and treasured mementos were the way to her heart. Elaine also had a love of good southern food; crawfish, crab and Lasyone meat pies were among her favorites. While she may have had a timid disposition at times, she was funny and witty. She always encouraged people to be their best selves and to love fully.
She is survived by her husband, James Elmer Jones; one child, J.D. Stevens-Jones and partner, Evan of Shreveport; brother, Leonard Thomassee and wife, Debbie of Provencal, LA; niece, Tammie Walker, of Natchitoches, LA, and her children, Courtney, Hannah, and Whitt; nephew, Jimmy Howell, Jr. of Gautier, Mississippi, and his son, Brandon; great niece, Amber Calvert, of Natchitoches; and a number of great great nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by both parents; sister, Ruby McCoy; and niece, Toni Lewis, all of Natchitoches.
Elaine will be laid to rest on Friday, February 26 at Centuries Memorial in Shreveport. Visitation is from 9 am-10 am with a graveside service following.
The family requests that anyone in attendance please wear a mask and to safely social distance while gathered.
FAMILY
- James Elmer Jones, Husband
- J.D. Stevens-Jones and partner, Evan, Son
- Leonard Thomassee and wife, Debbie of Provencal, LA, Brother
- Jimmy Howell, Jr. of Gautier, Mississippi, and his son, Brandon, Nephew
- Tammie Walker, of Natchitoches, LA,, Niece
- Amber Calvert, of Natchitoches, Great Niece
- She is preceded in death by both parents; sister, Ruby McCoy; and niece, Toni Lewis, all of Natchitoches.
Services
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Visitation
Friday, February 26, 2021
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Celebration of Life
Friday, February 26, 2021
Memories
Mary Elaine Jones
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYJD Stevens-Jones
March 2, 2021
Something you might not know about my mother:
She walked away from the church we attended because of their views on LGBTQ people. She told me this in the last few years of her life and while she wasn’t always the strongest person, she remained steadfast in her love for me. She left because of me.
JD Stevens-Jones
March 2, 2021
I wrote this for mom. It was inspired by a poem I wrote in the fifth grade. It was suppose to be included in the funeral program, but unfortunately it was left off. So I’m sharing it here:
I Love You
Your face has smiled a thousand smiles,
And today I smile for you.
The sun bounces on my cheek.
I am reminded.
Butterflies dance to the music of creek beds,
Starry nights,
Dirt roads and forget-me-nots.
Vines wrap around my heart and hold me,
Just like you did.
You stand in the doorway and beckon me home.
I felt so lost for so long,
But you always brought me home.
I flip pages in a book I can’t seem to read,
yet you guide me through the story.
A whisper in the air.
A falling leaf on a mid-winter’s eve.
I day dream of shopping trips and sandy beaches,
And we dance.
“‘The time has come,’ the walrus said,
To talk of many things.’”
Voicemails fill my phone and echo into the eve,
“I love you.”
Sweet and tender, always and forever.
I am reminded in every breath,
And your love will always fill my home.
You were more than a mom,
You were my friend.
“Gone, but not forgotten.”
Not really.
Not ever.
You are not gone.
You are everywhere.
You are me.
-JD Stevens-Jones, 2021
Cat Jones
February 26, 2021
She was such a sweet lady. I always looked forward to talking with her on our visits to see them. She was so cute when she would get tickled about something. She was just fun to be with! She loved her cow collection and always showed me anything she had added to it. When I came into the family she always made me feel loved and accepted. I feel blessed to have known her. I will miss you Aunt Elaine.❤️
susan huffman
February 26, 2021
When I was 9 years old Elaine gave me a pajama pillow to put my pjs in when I went to a slumber party or overnight trip. I still have that pillow and hold it dear to my heart. I give a pillow back in memory of her! Happy Days in Heaven Elaine!
Patty Frederick
February 26, 2021
I enjoyed spending time with Elaine and Jim. We would always go somewhere when I visited whether it be to a casino, out to eat or shopping. I loved looking for clothes small enough to fit Elaine and pushing her to try them on and seeing how cute she looked. I will miss her quiet presence and our conversations. Elaine may be gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. With caring thoughts and love.
JD Stevens-Jones
February 25, 2021
Mom loved wearing overalls. 💖 She a
JD Stevens-Jones
February 25, 2021
Mom, me, and Ninny at White Sands in New Mexico.
JD Stevens-Jones
February 25, 2021
From my wedding. Having her there was all I needed. She loved Evan and the love we have. She always asked about them in every phone call. She held our dog, Princess, during the ceremony. Such a magical day.
JD Stevens-Jones
February 25, 2021
Always on the phone!
JD Stevens-Jones
February 25, 2021
This photo was taken in 2015 during the Highland Mardi Gras Parade. It was outside my vintage shop and we had such a blast. Perfect spot on the route! Mom was super excited because she loved the Highland Parade more than the others. She loved catching throws and laughing at everyone having so much fun.
JD Stevens-Jones
February 25, 2021
Mom hated this photo but I always liked it. 😂 This is how I remember her most. It was taken at my junior prom, I believe.
JD Stevens-Jones
February 24, 2021
We spent a lot of time at the park. This photo has always been a favorite.
JD Stevens-Jones
February 24, 2021
This is from 2016 when I lived in New Mexico. Mom and dad came to visit, and on our last day it snowed. We took this at Tinkertown, a weird little whimsical museum on the way to Sandia Mountain. She loved exploring while we were there.
JD Stevens-Jones
February 24, 2021
From one of the very first trips we took.
REBEKAH BORDERS
February 24, 2021
Loved her, Toni loved her Aunt Elaine and I remember going and staying with them and she would cook the best food from their garden, I never liked Egg Plant until the day I ate hers and If I knew how she cooked it I would fix it, she was a special lady and a special Aunt to my Best Friend. Just thinking of Toni, Ruby Mr. and Miss Thomasee waiting for her as she came through the gates, I can hear Toni saying Heffer! what took you so long!
JD Stevens-Jones
February 24, 2021
This was from a trip to Colorado. We were in Durango or Silver Springs. It must have been 1988 or 1989. Mom loved to travel.
Roger Stivers
February 24, 2021
We always enjoyed our visits with the Jones’s.
JD Stevens-Jones
February 24, 2021
My mom was into “cow” decor when I was little. It was all over the house growing up. 🐮 My aunt Ninny and I found this sleep shirt at MacFrugals when I was in the first grade for a Christmas present for her. 🎁 I would give ANYTHING to still have this sweet number, but I’m pretty sure it was sold in a yard sale. Very typical of mom — she loved a good purge and donated clothing often.