Virginia Jo Jones was a bright and beautiful spirit, a loyal friend, and a loving mother who relished in the happiness and successes of her children, family, and friends.
Jo was smart, and ahead of her time in many ways. She graduated from high school 2 years early after having skipped both the 2nd and the 4th grade. At the age of 16 she began college at North Texas State College, majoring in music and was nominated for Yucca Queen that first year. The love of music and singing was a constant throughout her entire life, and we would find her softly singing from time to time right up until her passing.
She had been singing a long time. In middle school and throughout high school she would take public transportation by herself into downtown Dallas for voice lessons with money for the bus and enough left over for lunch at the Woolworth’s lunch counter. If she had to change buses, she just ask the bus drivers where to go. It was a kinder, gentler time.
With the loving guidance of Arthur Ewalt, her Father, and a single parent in the 1930’s, Jo took easily to running her own show at an early age. The courage and independence she gained during her early years served her well, as she experienced many physical challenges later in her life including blindness.
Her favorite poem was Invictus by William Ernest Henley. She quoted the last two lines many times echoing her belief…”I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.”
Jo was well spoken, and could write beautifully. Throughout her working career she was a great asset to her employers and later to the family business, Zeke’s Inc. in Raton, New Mexico. She instilled a love of music, art, literature, foreign languages, and a continuance of lifelong learning in her children for which they are ever grateful.
Born in Dallas, Texas to Stella Sanderson and Arthur Ewalt on October 30, 1929. Jo transitioned to be with our Creator on Oct. 4, 2017. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66yrs, Roy Cecil Jones.
She is survived by a daughter, Janis Jones Loverin (Richard) of Ruidoso, N.M., and a son, Jerry Lyle Jones (Debbi) of Rio Rancho, N.M. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Brie Sherwin (Rob) of Lubbock, TX, Heather Simpson (Sean) of Ruidoso, N.M., Jessica Jones of Rio Rancho, N.M., and Matthew Jones Fernandez of El Paso, TX. Her great grandchildren are Mia Simpson, daughter of Heather and Sean Simpson, and Aubrey Jones, daughter of Jessica Jones.
Jo was fun-loving and a loyal friend. She was a good listener in a time when they are scarce. She was and is loved greatly, and by many.
Jo was a kind and very caring person. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Kathy Beard
It was a real honor to have known Jo.
Sorry to hear of her passing.
Crews and Pat Bell