Jean Jones

Jean Jones, age 85 years, a resident of Johnston City, Illinois, passed away Saturday afternoon, December 19, 2015, at 3:02 PM at Baptist Health in Paducah, Kentucky. Jean was born May 5, 1930 in Karnak, Illinois. She was the daughter of Clarence E. and Bessie (Taylor) Whitnel. On June 19, 1949, Jean was united in marriage to Sam Jones at Bardwell, Kentucky. He preceded her in death on October 27, 2007. Survivors include: her sons – Michael (Artenia) Jones of Anna and Dan Jones of Johnston City; 2 sisters – Shelby (Wilton) Lynn and June (Marion) Cain; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Jean was preceded in death by 2 brothers – Almus Whitnel and Ralph Whitnel. Jean was a 1948 graduate of the Anna High School. She had also earned her Real Estate Sales License as well as completing cosmetology training and receiving her Beautician’s License. Jean had previously operated beauty shops in both Murphysboro and Anna. Later, she was employed by the Illinois Department of Corrections for approximately 14 years at the House of Glass (Southern Illinois Adult Transition Center) retiring in 1994. Jean offered empathetic counseling and guidance from her strong Christian background. Her positive example made a lasting impression on the lives of many of those who passed through the House of Glass facility. Jean was a faithful Christian. She attended Harvest Time Worship Center and Union Gospel Mission in Herrin. Jean loved to attend church and enjoyed the Tuesday night Bible Studies at Harvest Time Worship Center and the Sunday evening worship service at Union Gospel Mission. She is remembered by her family as a woman of strong faith and daily prayed for many individuals. Jean enjoyed going out with friends to enjoy a meal and fellowship. Prior to suffering a stroke, Jean enjoyed creating handcrafted sewn items for friends and family. Jean was a longtime member of the Order of the Eastern Star and was affiliated with Anna Star Chapter # 522 O.E.S. She had also been involved politically and served as a former Jackson County Republican Precinct Committeewoman. Jean’s lasting legacy to her family will be her strong faith and ministry of encouragement. A Graveside Service will be conducted Tuesday afternoon, December 22, 2015, at 1 PM at the Jonesboro City Cemetery. Pastor Todd Hawk will officiate. Those attending the service are asked to gather at the cemetery by 12:45 PM Tuesday. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 425 South Woods Mill Road #110, Town and Country, Missouri 63017 or to the United Methodist Children’s Home, 2023 Richview Road, Mt Vernon, Illinois 62864.

Jean Jones

May 5, 1930 - December 19, 2015