Deborah "Debbie" Elaine Jones

Memorial services for Deborah “Debbie” Elaine Jones, 56, of Tyler, will be held on Sunday, September 4, 2016, at 3:00 PM at Pollard United Methodist Church with Rev. Richard Luna officiating. Visitation will follow the service at the church, under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. Mrs. Jones passed away Wednesday, August 31, 2016 in Tyler. She was born June 7, 1960 in Jacksonville to Dick and Jane McElmurry. Debbie grew up in Tyler, graduating from Robert E. Lee High School, Tyler Junior College and the University of Texas at Tyler. She was a math teacher at TJC and Robert E. Lee for over 30 years and was beloved by her students. She has also taught thousands of children to swim over the past 30 years. Debbie was a faithful member of Pollard United Methodist Church and Apache Bell Gold. She was preceded in death by her father, Dick McElmurry and brothers, Dick, Jr., Mike and Phillip McElmurry. Debbie is survived by her husband of 16 years, Jeff Jones; children, Tiffany Enfinger and husband Rusty, Adrian and fiance’ Emily, Mitch, Maddie, Meg, Matt and Misty Jones; sisters, Judy Murray and husband Joe, Pattie Fennell and husband Rick; brothers, Robbie McElmurry and wife Rhonda, Ronnie McElmurry and wife Emily; mother, Jane McElmurry and numerous nieces and nephews. Debbie’s most precious accomplishments were her children. She spent countless hours at swim meets, dance recitals and soccer, baseball and football games. She had a special love of drill team and dance, having served as Captain of REL’s Southern Belles and a member of the Apache Belles 32nd line. Debbie was so proud that 3 of her daughters have also been Southern Belles and 2 of her sons were Southern Belle Guards. Two daughters have continued on to be 3rd generation Apache Belles, serving as Dance Captain and Head Dance Captain. Honorary pallbearers will be TJC Apache Belles and the REL Southern Belles. A gofund me account has been established for the benefit of the family in Debbie’s memory. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Debbie Jones Memorial Fund at gofundme.com or the Debbie McElmurry Jones Apache Belle Scholarship Fund made through the TJC Foundation, P. O. Box 9020, Tyler, Texas 75711-9020.

Deborah "Debbie" Elaine Jones

June 7, 1960 - August 31, 2016