Obituary: Evelyn Lucille Jones
Evelyn Lucille Jones, beloved matriarch of the James Buck Jones family, surrendered her rich and adored life of 98 years at 3:25 a.m. on May 29, 2015 in Claremore, Oklahoma, where she had spent her last two years, Lucille departed this life with love ones at her side.
Blessed in life with the beauty of a princess, Evelyn Lucille was born on November 13, 1916 in Harrisburg, Illinois to Zola & Shorty McClure. She was the first of four girls, and grew up in the north end of town on Midkiff Street. Due to her mother's poor health, Lucille took on a maternal role and all but raised her younger siblings.
Nevertheless, her allure and air of refinement won the compliments of many throughout life, but she always remained grounded and refused to let conceit enter her heart. Just barely into womanhood, she was courted, then dated, and married James Buck Jones, to whom she remained devoted and faithful for 69 years. With humble beginnings, they set up housekeeping in an apartment at the southeast corner of Sloan and Water Street on "Chick Hill" in Gaskin's City, and in a short time, love rewarded them with three daughters; Colleen, Maureen, and Janeen. A few years later they're son Jimmy(James Richard) was born and at the age of 35, Lucille was blessed with a fourth daughter, Jill. Their fifth child "Sam" was stillborn.
Known as "Seal"(Lucille) or "Mama" by her husband Buck, "Mother" by her children, and "Grandma" by her grandchildren, Lucille eclipsed the everyday demands of housework, as she continuously strived for perfection in her duties. Her attention to detail in sewing, cooking, and housekeeping was unparalleled. Simply stated, she excelled at all things domestic. Anything she touched was subject to her strict standards, and had to be just so, so! If cleanliness is a virtue of the divine, then surely the heavens hold a special place for her. Lucille exemplified the values and work ethic that lay a solid foundation for her children and grandchildren.
Most Saturday nights her hard work was rewarded when she and her husband "Buck" enjoyed a night out dancing at the local Elks Club. So adept was their skill at dance, just watching them was a thrill. Their fun loving spirits were infectious! Club members frequently came, just to watch Buck & Lucille, and often remained till the last song played, exhilarating in the couples effortless movement and joy for each other. In later years, when the Big Band sound fell silent in Harrisburg, they began traveling to neighboring states to dance to Jack Stalcup, Glenn Miller, and Tommy Dorsey. It seemed as if partners were never more perfect. She was the song in his life, and he the song in hers. Lucille was a vivacious reader, mostly of love stories, a hopeless romantic long spoken for, but still entertaining the dreams of others. She was a lover of cards and card games, but mostly loved her card club members who shared weekly afternoons of gossip and laughter. A lover of travel, she and Buck toured the nation & made yearly vacations to Miami, Florida, Claremore, Oklahoma, and Pontiac, Michigan. Later in life, they traveled overseas and experienced the culture and landscape of their families homeland. When her children were raised and her home quiet, she taught herself to play the piano at the age of sixty. Though petite, she had a remarkable constitution, and until her eldest of years, was never sick or took prescription medicine. Always the shining star of parties and family functions, Lucille was a gracious hostess who demanded perfection for her guests and family. And she did it with the utmost humility, shrinking from the many compliments that came her way. It was just her style: the modesty and discipline of a chambermaid, the looks of a princess.
Due to her longevity, Lucille saw the passing of many family members. Sadly, she was preceded in death by; son Sam Jones, husband James Buck Jones, daughter Colleen Green (Bob) of Pontiac, Michigan, a son-in-law Bob Green of Pontiac, Michigan, a sister Billy Turner of Eldorado, a grandson Bruce Edward Sutton of Harrisburg, and a granddaughter Denita Green of Pontiac, Michigan. She is survived by two sisters; Georgia May Kerswick of Evansville, Indiana and Jean Wafer of San Diego, California, three daughters; Maureen Sutton(Calvin) of Harrisburg, Janeen Roe of Harrisburg, and Jill Kay (Marty) of Claremore, Oklahoma, a son James Richard Jones (Marquita) of Claremore, Oklahoma, and many, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great, great-grandchildren. A private viewing for family members only was held at 10 p.m. at Absher-Nicholson Funeral Home in Carrier Mills. After graveside services at 11 a.m., and in the presence of family and friends, Lucille was laid to rest next to her husband at Sunset Lawn Cemetery in Harrisburg.
Time seldom affords families the extended presence of a loved one, their laugh, their love, their wisdom. Lucille was an extraordinary woman with extraordinary ways. Beautifying life with her presence and smile, her legacy is one of commitment, grace, and dignity. With heavy hearts a family mourns, but also celebrates the devoted life of a loving mother, Evelyn Lucille McClure Jones.
"Mama," "Mother," "Grandma," through our everlasting love, your memory will forever live.