Cleo Ward Jones
Cleo Ward Jones entered eternal rest on September 26, 2024. She was born and raised in Illinois, where she graduated from Millikin University and met and married Gerald L. Ward, who preceded her in death.
In her youth, she sang in numerous choral groups and did a great deal of solo work. During those early years of marriage, she taught music and elementary education and directed her church choir. She loved raising her three daughters who shared her love of summering along the eastern shores of Lake Michigan.
In 1971, she and her family moved to Wisconsin and in 1979 moved again to Texas, residing in Nassau Bay for 25 years. She was an active member of Webster Presbyterian Church, serving as both elder and deacon as well as singing in the choir. She was a 65y-plus member of both the P.E.O. Sisterhood and Alpha Chi Omega, serving as president of each organization. Cleo was also a member of the Clear Lake Panhellenic Alumnae Association. Cleo enjoyed music, playing bridge, reading, gardening, and traveling throughout the world.
Cleo married Johnny W. Jones, a longtime neighbor and friend, in 2003. Shortly thereafter they moved to Friendswood, continuing to be active in their church, with family, with friends, and in travel.
Cleo was a friend to all who knew her. She loved reaching out and supporting friends,
family, and even those she may not know well (yet). She had an exceptional gift of
hospitality – from meal preparation to decorations to entertainment, and she always
made everyone feel welcome. It was always a joy to be at her home. And she made it
all seem effortless. She was a beautiful person inside and out and will be incredibly
missed.
Preceding her in death is her beloved husband Johnny and her daughter Lisa Ward Price. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law Lori Ward (Frank) Brown and Lesli Ward (Peter) Hurt; her grandchildren Erin Brown (Krystian Smolczyk), Elizabeth Price, Thomas Price, Allison Hurt (Jared) Park, and Sarah Hurt; her stepdaughters Terrie (Robert) Bauer, Jodie Bernier, stepson John (Jupiter) Jones; and her step-grandchildren Lindsay Bauer (David) Ward, Nicholas (Gretchen) Bauer, and her great-grandchildren by marriage Luke and Annabel Bauer, and Grayson and Vivianne Ward.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 23rd at 11:00am at Webster Presbyterian Church, with a Reception to follow.
Sincere condolences to the family. I am so very sorry for your loss. May God provide the necessary peace and comfort to your family and friends during this difficult time. Please remember these words of encouragement from the Bible: “Jesus plainly told her: I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life.” —John 11:20-25.
We grieve the loss alongside you. She was indeed a wonderful and special friend.