Verna Lee Jones

Verna Lee Colwick Jones, 99, passed away on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at the Sunset Home in Clifton. Born on February 19, 1918 in Cranfills Gap, Verna was the daughter of Syvert and Jennie Reesing, immigrants from Norway. She was the youngest of eight children. Six of her brothers and sisters served in World War I and World War II.

She attended school in Cranfills Gap where she rode her horse, White Sox, to school each day. White Sox could outrun all the other boys’ and girls’ horses. White Sox would not let anyone but Verna Lee ride her.

After high school graduation, Verna Lee enrolled in Clifton Junior College where she met Orville Jones. A star athlete from Turnersville, Orville played football and basketball at Clifton College.

The couple married in 1938 and moved to a farm in Turnersville. Verna Lee was a housewife and helped with farm work. After the birth of their son Barry, her life revolved around motherhood.

Orville played semi pro baseball, so a career of attending baseball games began. Both Orville and Verna Lee enjoyed going to sports events to watch their son Barry, who played all sports at Turnersville High School.

Verna Lee became very knowledgeable about baseball, basketball and football. She faithfully watched the games of her favorite sports teams, Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, Dallas Mavricks and Texas A&M Aggies.

For summer vacations, Verna Lee and Orville often enjoyed the cool mountain air of Colorado and New Mexico.

Verna Lee especially enjoyed her three grandsons, Casey, Corby and Clay. Tragically, at the age of sixteen, Clay was struck and killed by lightning while practicing football at Forney High School. Life was never the same.

Verna Lee was preceded in death by her parents, Syvert and Jennie Reesing; brothers, Orville, Ernest, Mervin and Sidney; sisters, Mae, Jewel and Bernice; grandson, Clay; and husband, Orville.

She is survived by her son, Barry and beloved daughter-in-law, Linda of Forney; grandsons, Casey (Klaudia), Corby (Raye); and great granddaughter, Alana Clay Jones.

Memorials may be made to Turnersville Cemetery Association at 2020 CR 226, Gatesville, TX 76528-3215

The Family will hold a memorial service in December.