Evelyn Elaine Jones

On September 9th, 1935, Elaine Evelyn Jones began a journey that would eventually take her all over the world. From Mississippi to Alaska, to Chicago, to Nassau, Bahamas, to Homewood, Illinois, she lived her life in near-constant motion - spanning more careers and accomplishments than most people will see in a lifetime. Along the way, her open heart, sharp sense of humor, and loving nature helped her collect invaluable lifelong friends and loved ones.

Elaine was a fiercely private person. While she was a great listener with an open ear, getting details about her life was a comically difficult challenge for most. And what a life it was. As a nurse, she helped protect the lives of hospital patients. After years of faithful service, she left caretaking to raise a family. In the mid-80s, she embarked on a new career, becoming a partner in an international travel agency called Joy's. That partnership found her relocated to Nassau, Bahamas, where she would live for more than 30 years.

In that time, Elaine continued to throw her hat into multiple rings. Her next effort was in residential architecture. As she was still studying for her degree, she started an architectural consultancy focused on building homes in her adopted land. She often joked about how hard men tried to make it for a woman running her own business, but underneath the laughter was the determination of a woman who would see things through.

Her final occupational journey was in education. She took a massive amount of pride in how she was able to touch the lives of children in Special Education. When she told us the stories of her classrooms, and the massive celebration they threw for her when she retired, she truly seemed as happy and as proud as I had ever seen her.

However, ultimately, she wanted to be closer to home for her final chapter. It's no surprise that she amassed such a rich community of friends and neighbors in Homewood. You could find her walking nearly everywhere - whether in the dead of winter or the height of summer. You would see her volunteering at the Senior Center, helping in any way she could. And, of course, you could find her a church. There was never a conversation which didn't include the loving inquiry of "are you saying your prayers?" And while she slowed down considerably in the last few years, she never truly lost her energy, humor or faith. Today, we send a prayer upward for Elaine Evelyn Jones. We love you so much. We are so immensely proud of you. And we wish you a peaceful and joyful rest.

She is survived by her children - Nikki, Chris and Matthew.

Memorial Visitation and Service on Sunday June 30, from 1pm – 3pm with a Service at 2pm at the Tews-Ryan Funeral Home 18230 Dixie Highway in Homewood. For additional information contact tews-ryanfh.com or call 708-798-5300.