Elizabeth Ann "Betty" Jones

Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Jones, 90, of Jackson, MO entered her rest and reward on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at The Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau, MO. She was born April 15, 1934 in Success, AR to schoolteachers, Albert Silas Jackson and Velma Minnie Sharpe. Following in their footsteps, Betty earned a BS degree in elementary education from Southeast Missouri State University with honors and spent 10 years in the teaching field. After marrying Dr. Thomas Sparkman, Betty was the office manager for his practice. They were blessed with two sons, Kendall and Randall Sparkman. Later Betty moved to Abilene, TX where she earned her BS degree in nursing from Abilene Christian University graduating Magna Cum Laude. Her nursing career consisted of 17 years as an RN serving veterans in the VA hospital in Waco, TX. She was married to Rex Jones, a highly decorated WWII veteran, in 1980 in Abilene TX. He preceded her in death after a lengthy illness. Betty was a member of Who’s Who in American Nursing, English Honor Society, and Cape Girardeau and Missouri Medical Auxiliaries. She was a cub scout den mother, church class teacher, and youth group volunteer. Hobbies included reading, sewing, gardening, refinishing antiques, and dabbling in the arts selling a few of her paintings and articles. She particularly treasured raising her sons as well as the special friends and relatives God presented to her. Betty was a faithful member of the Jackson Church of Christ, where she was known for always bringing fried chicken to the potluck dinners and purchasing the “comfy chairs” in the back of the church. Survivors include her youngest, son Randall (Laura) Sparkman of Cape Girardeau, MO; daughter Sherie (Don) Metcalf of Abilene, TX; four grandchildren, Thomas Sumner Sparkman, Blake Sparkman, Kristen (Chris) Burnett, and Terry (Patricia) Jones; nephews, Mike Jackson and Brad Jackson; two nieces, Janet (Jason) Andrews and Teresa (Manny) Reyna; and sister-in-law Barbara Jackson. She was preceded in death by father, Albert Jackson; mother, Velma Sharpe; husband, Rex Jones; son, Thomas Kendall Sparkman; nephews, Greg Sparkman and John Sparkman; brothers Howard Jackson and Al Jackson; sister in-law, Izetta Jones; brothers-in-law, Bill Jones and Doyle Jones; and two mothers-in-law, Gertrude Sparkman and Hettie Jones. Visitation will be held Saturday May 18 at 10:00am with services following at 11:00am at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel in Cape Girardeau. The minister Brian Mitchell of the Jackson Church of Christ officiating. Burial will be with her parents and brothers at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Doniphan, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Jackson Church of Christ or the Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary will be appreciated. The family would like to thank the Lutheran Home for their exceptional care during these last few difficult months. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com. Ford & Sons Funeral Home - Mt. Auburn is in charge of arrangements.

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Elizabeth Ann "Betty" Jones

April 15, 1934 - May 8, 2024