Barbara Jones

November 30, 1927 - June 18, 2011

Barbara Jones Obituary JONES, Barbara Elaine (Age 83) Barbara went to be with the Lord peacefully, June 18, 2011, in Spokane following a long illness. Barbara was born November 30, 1927 in Long Beach, CA, the only daughter of Verle L. Johnson and Elsie Inez (Pearson) Johnson. She attended public school in Long Beach, CA, graduating from Wilson High School. Upon graduation, Barbara attended Long Beach City College and Whittier College, where she obtained a degree in English Literature as well as a teaching credential. Barbara began her teaching career at Loma Vista Elementary in Whittier, CA. After two years, she and her best friend embarked on a year of adventure and teaching in Huron, Ohio through a teacher exchange program. Barbara then returned to Loma Vista Elementary and settled in to teach third grade. While at Loma Vista, one of her students told his mother, the president of the PTA, that he thought that "Uncle Herb would like my teacher." A blind date was arranged. This went so well that, a few months later, Barbara married the love of her life, Herbert Jones. They were married for 55 years. Following the birth of her son and daughter, Barbara quit teaching to raise her children. The family moved to Spokane in 1967, Herb having accepted a job offer to teach physics for the Community Colleges of Spokane. In addition to raising her family, Barbara was an avid musician. She played the piano, organ and ukulele and gave piano lessons to several friends and neighbors. She was the pianist for The King's Community Church for 30 years. She also enjoyed bird watching, dried flower arranging, gardening and writing poetry. She could often be found reading mystery novels or working word search puzzles. Barbara had a sweet and gentle spirit with many kind words and was loved by all. She was preceded in death by her husband in 2010. She is survived by her son Douglas Jones (Rae Ann), and her daughter Julie Awbrey (Matt). The family would like to thank the staff at Clare Bridge of Spokane for the love, care and support given to our mom. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, June 23 at the Sunset Chapel inside Fairmount Memorial Park, 5200 W. Wellesley.