Modena Jones

Born September 4, 1908, the 11th of 12 children to P.E. and Eugenia Mackey in East Mountain, Texas, Modena lived a very full 97 years passing from this life to her heavenly home on June 6, 2006. Modena graduated from Tyler High School in 1926 and then attended Tyler Junior College, and North Texas State College. She loved to learn and was a fierce competitor. Standing 5'10" tall, she was an outstanding college basketball player. Though unable to complete her education, she was proud to see that all of her children and grandchildren received college educations. However, she was even more proud that her descendents were all Christians. In 1931, she married Louis Joseph Jones in Tyler, and together they raised three children, Louis Earl, Eugenia Ann (GeneAnne), and Joseph Dewitt. While rearing their children, they were faithful to care for their elderly parents, and minister to others whose lives they touched. Active in school and community activities, Modena continued her love of learning with years of service in the Extension Service Home Demonstration Clubs, active in the early part of the 20th century. She was a strong supporter of FHA,4-H Clubs and athletic booster clubs through out her children's school years. She held life membership in the Chapel Hill PTA while her husband served on the school board for many years. At the age of 65, she went back to college and acquired her real estate license and was a successful realtor into her late seventies. Through the years her hands were never idle because she loved to cook, sew, knit, crochet and quilt. She was a charter member and officer of the East Texas Quilter's Guild. Until only a few years ago she remained active and wanted to learn all the new techniques. She opened many a quilt show at Harvey Hall with her beloved quilting buddies. She was the oldest member of West Erwin Church of Christ where her father and brother served as elders. Her husband served as a deacon, and her son Louis is currently serving as a deacon. For over 30 years, she faithfully served on a weekly basis at the church's Benevolent Center distributing clothes and food. It can be said that Modena lived God's purpose in her generation and exemplified the worthy woman described in Proverbs 31. Qualities such as hard work, fear of God, respect for spouse, foresight, encouragement, care for others, concern for the poor, and wisdom in handling a household and money were commonalities of the worthy woman and Modena. Though preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, her husband and son by marriage, Dickey Masters, she leaves a loving family behind who called her Mother, Mama, Mammy and Grandmom. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Louis and Jane Jones and GeneAnne Masters all of Tyler, Dewitt and Prissy Jones, Abilene, six grandchildren and their spouses, Jeff and Kelly Jones, Decatur; Dena and David Lowndes, Vermontville, Michigan; Joel and Kristina Masters, Portland, Oregon; Adam and Jennifer Masters, Austin; Jena and Taggart Williams, Mansfield, and Jay and Nicole Jones, Abilene. Also surviving are nine great-grandchildren, Kory Jones, Josh Jones, Sarah Lowndes, Taylor Masters, Brynn Masters, Will Masters, Jack Masters, Hope Williams, and Nathan Jones. Services will be on Friday, June 9, 2006 at 1:30 P.M. at West Erwin Church of Christ. Pallbearers will be her 6 grandsons. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 8, 2006 from 6-7:30 P.M. Tributes may be posted at www.stewartfamilyfuneral.com. If desired donations may be made to the West Erwin Church of Christ Benevolent Center.

Modena Jones

September 4, 1908 - June 6, 2006