Jeanette E. Jones

Age 81 of Braceville, Illinois, died Monday, February 19, 2024 at Morris Hospital.

Born March 10, 1942 in Custer Township, Illinois, Jeanette Eva was a daughter of Earl and Marie (Downy) Sours. She was raised in Custer Park, Illinois and attended Braidwood Schools. As a young woman, Jeanette worked for Grinchuck Pants Factory in Braidwood, and on June 25, 1966 she married Raymond Jones in Wilmington, Illinois.

Jeanette was a homemaker first, but she worked hand in hand with her husband at the Church of God in Wilmington where her husband was the pastor for 35 years. She was instrumental in children’s programs at the church such as Sunday School and Children’s Church. Jeanette also worked for Braceville Grade School for several years as a cafeteria server, and was also a devoted caretaker to people in need.

She was currently attending Christian Faith Center in Wilmington and was a long time member of the South Wilmington Fireman’s Club. Jeanette loved to cook and share a meal with family and friends, and took great pleasure in reading, puzzling, and crocheting. She had a knack with children, whether it was at the church, babysitting, or with her own family. Jeanette loved being a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and always strived to put her family’s needs before her own.

Survivors include her children: Richard (Susan) Jones and Pastor Ken (Jo Ann) Jones, both of North Carolina, Calvin (Lori) Jones of Fairbury, Illinois, Patrick (Carey) Jones of Morris, Illinois, Valerie Jones of Dwight, Illinois, and David (Jessica) Jones of Aurora, Illinois; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; one brother and two sisters: Lois (the late Kenneth) Richmond of Wilmington, Carol (Nelson) Stephens of Brunswick, Georgia, and Gerald (Glemma) Sours of Vandalia, Illinois; one brother-in-law, Rev. Bill Stephens of Ramsey, Illinois, many nieces and nephews, and her neighbors and family friends: John and Theresa Cookingham of Braceville.

Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents and husband; one daughter, Sandra Jones, and three grandchildren: Samantha Jones, Jesse Lee Jones, and Mary Margaret Jones; and her siblings: Maynard Sours, Lester Sours, Raymond Sours, Eloise (Elmer “Sparky”) Sanor, Gary Sours, Dolores (Robert) Sjostrom, Vernon (Nancy) Warriner, Wanda Stephens, and Edward Sours.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Christian Faith Center, 1800 South Water Street, in Wilmington from 11:00 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Pastor Jeff Urban will officiate, and burial will follow at Wesley Cemetery in rural Wilmington, where Jeanette will be laid to rest with her husband.

Those who wish to participate in Jeanette's funeral virtually may join the livestream of the service which can be found on Jeanette's memorial page.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Jeanette’s memory to the Braceville Fire Department.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Jeanette’s memorial page via social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Wilmington (815) 476-2181.