Grace Jones

Grace Jones, 100, of Thiensville, WI formerly of Pekin passed away at 5:30 am Tuesday, January 27, 2009 in Mequon, WI. She was born on August 28, 1908 in Odell, IL to William Henry and Mary Frances (Ewing) Speers. She married Orville R. Jones on August 10, 1941 in Pontiac, IL. He died on September 25, 1988 Also preceding in death are four brothers, Jim, Ray, Bob and Gordon Speers. Surviving are: one son, Ralph (Sherry) Jones of Belmont, MA; two daughters, Nancy (Gene) Barker of Drury, MO, and Mary (Don) McLean of Mequon, WI; nine grandchildren, Sarah, Bradley, Natalie, Tom, David, Carrie, Michael, Jeffrey and Meaghan; two great grandchildren, Kyle and Benjamin; one sister, Lucille Shurr of Iowa City, IA. Grace attended Illinois State University and received her master's degree in business education from the University of Iowa. She taught at Pekin Community High School from 1936 - 1941. She often attended reunions of those classes and out-lived many of her students. Starting about 1960 she returned to Pekin Community High School to work in the office of the Assistant Dean of Girls. She was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ in Pekin. An avid reader her entire life, she also belonged to a bridge club and was active member of P.E.O. International, promoting educational opportunities for women.