Patricia Easterwood Jones

Patricia E. Jones, age 93 of Temple, died Thursday, August 28, 2014 at a local hospital. Services will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, September 5, 2014 at the First Christian Church with Rev. Dr. Don Lynn officiating. Private family interment will follow at a later date at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen. The family will receive visitors from 1-2:00 PM Friday prior to the service at the First Christian Church. The first child of Roy, Sr. and Ann Parma Easterwood, Patricia was born on January 10, 1921, attended public schools in Temple and graduated from Temple High School in 1938. She attended TSCW in Denton and later graduated from Temple College (then Temple Junior College) in 1940. She was employed as secretary to Guy Baker Realty until her marriage to William D. C. (Billy) Jones on May 24, 1942 with Rev. Noel Keith officiating. Patricia was a life-long member of the First Christian Church (Disciples) in Temple, maintaining membership here during her service in other locations. She was also a member of the Esther-Ruth Circle, Women of the Church. Patricia was unwavering in her faith and devotion. During WWII, Patricia volunteered with the American Red Cross at McCloskey General Hospital in Temple. She rejoined Billy after his return from combat duty in the South Pacific arena in December 1945, following which they both served at various places both in the USA and in overseas locations. One memorable Army tour was for three years in the Republic of Turkey, Ankara, where Patricia volunteered to serve early school age children in the joint service American community. While there, she became aware of the very poor treatment of Turkish orphans and organized regular visits and aid to these orphans. She was joined in this work with Turkish orphans by other American ladies and in association with USA Officer's Wives in Ankara. She especially enjoyed the work in Turkey. Patricia and Billy celebrated 72 years of marriage this year. A special decree by the Texas State Legislature was issued to commemorate this event. After Billy's retirement from active duty in 1980, she made a permanent retirement home in Temple. She and Billy served the community of Temple as members of the city civic clubs including the Temple Golden K Kiwanis Club, The Temple Community Concert Association, Christian Farms - Treehouse, Inc., and others. Patricia entered William R. Courtney State Veterans facility on June 1, 2014 and after a prolonged illness, she went to her permanent reward on August 28, 2014. She is survived by her husband, Billy Jones of Temple; their son, James William Jones of Temple; brother, Roy Easterwood, Jr. and wife Leta Qualls Easterwood of Temple, and several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Preschool 1 Program of First Christian Church in Temple or to your favorite charity in memory of Patricia.