Joyce O. Jones

Joyce Odom Jones was born October 21, 1923, on a hill in Gilmer, Texas to Guy Emmanuel and Mary Jem Gorman Odom. Although her father registered her birth as October 23 with no name listed on her birth certificate, there was no question of who she grew to be.

After finishing high school Joyce moved to Dallas where in 1944, she met Gunner's Mate 1st Class Billy Eugene Jones, home on liberty after his ship was torpedoed on April Fool’s Day. They married the following September after only two dates and celebrated fifty-eight years together before his death in 2002. Through those years the couple moved their family of six wherever Bill's work took them. But no matter where they settled, Joyce made it home. In building a life with her 4 children, 15 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren she taught by example many lessons, but especially those of creativity, generosity, and God’s love.

In 1986, Joyce and Bill returned to Gilmer to enjoy their retirement back on the hill where she was born. Many wonderful times were spent “up the hill” with Nanny and Paw.

On January 24, 2022, with her precious family by her side, Joyce peacefully left this world for her eternal reward.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Guy and Mary Odom, sister, Sarah Odom Chrisp, husband, Bill Jones, daughter Jo Sandra Jones, granddaughters, Andrea DuPree, Mary Lynn Lavender, Lisa K. Reyes, and grandson, James DuPree.

Joyce is survived by children, Randall Jones (Pam) of Hillsboro, Texas, Alisa DuPree (Frank) of Gilmer, Texas, and Chris Jones (Robin) also of Gilmer, 11 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren.

We will forever see her heart in the beauty of nature, hear her voice in a song and feel her love wrapped around us in a warm afghan.