Helen Ruth Jones

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Helen Ruth Jones, a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, and friend. Born in Crawford, Texas, to Horace and Katherine Harrison, Helen resided in Gladewater for over 60 years with her husband, Joe John Jones.

A passionate educator, she earned a Master of Arts in Library Science from the East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas. Her dedication to teaching first grade exceeded her 30+ years of teaching; many of her students remember her fondly and would visit with her when they saw her around Gladewater. Tasha Phillips, a 1988, first-grade student of hers remembered, “I was the new girl at a new school with no mat at nap time. Miss Helen welcomed me with a mat and made sure I was comfy. She was so nice to me.”   Tasha and Miss Helen reacquainted years later when Tasha cared for her aging teacher. 

Another student, Debra Shipp, shared how blessed she feels to consider Helen a second mom and remembers Helen as her first-grade teacher at Gay Avenue Elementary, “Momma Helen was loving to all students. She told every student they were beautiful/handsome and smart. She was a teacher extraordinaire in her belief of her students and for them to believe in themselves.”

Helen cherished the friendships she created at work, considering her colleagues as family. She enjoyed socializing and spending time with close friends, sharing stories and laughter.

Helen loved Lake Gladewater. She loved the view, the array of birds and wildlife, and the many boat rides. A devoted grandmother, she loved to read and watch movies with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Her daughter, Kay McKinney, will miss her dearly, along with her grandchildren Kate McKinney, Reggie Ahmad, Robin McKinney, Joseph McKinney, Betsy McKinney, and Sam McKinney, as well as her great-grandchildren Brady Wallace, Robby Wallace, Louisa Naja Mckinney Ahmad, and Jones Marsel McKinney Ahmad; her sister Kay Norris, brother Bennett Harrison, and nephew Ross Harrison.
 
Helen is preceded in death by her parents and beloved husband, Joe John Jones.
 
The loss of Helen is deeply felt by all who knew her. Her memory will forever live on in our hearts, a testament to the love and joy she brought into our lives. A Reception with a light lunch will be held on April 12, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Methodist Church, allowing all who loved Helen to pay their respects and share their memories. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the love she shared with so many.