Tommie Jones

Obituary

Tommie Jean Neal was born on April 15, 1938 to Thomas and Amelia Neal in Oklaunion, Texas. The family relocated to Eastland, Texas in 1943 when Tommie Jean was 5 years old. As a young girl, the family moved to Detroit, Michigan for a short period during the 1940’s where she attended school. Once the family returned to Eastland, she attended the Douglas Colored School. At an early age, she also lived in New Orleans, Louisiana but, as it turns out, her life’s road later led her back to Texas. Tommie Jean was the oldest of five siblings.

Graveside services will be held at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 7457 West Lake Road, Abilene, Texas on Monday, July 20, 2020 at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Matthew M. Lubin Sr. Eulogist. Visitation will be Sunday, July 19, 2020 from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Elmwood Funeral Home 5750 Hwy 277 South, Abilene, Texas.

You will have the option to stay in your vehicle, please tune your radio to 105.7 FM for the graveside broadcast. We know these times are difficult due to the COVID-19, but we want you to know the family appreciates your love and support but encourages everyone to remain safe and healthy so please wear your mask at the visitation and graveside.

She was an avid reader during her childhood and as an adult. She could be seen with a book in hand almost all the time. Her love for reading began at an early age. She recalled even finding enjoyment in reading her school textbooks. During her school days, she also played basketball and other sports.

She met the love of her life, John T. Jones, and they were married on December 17, 1960 in Young County, Texas. Two children were the product of their union Marian and John John. She and the family settled in and made Abilene, Texas their home.

Tommie Jean and John T. led active social lives. They regularly connected with family and friends. Much laughter could often be heard coming from their home or at friendly family and neighborhood gatherings that generally included a lively, “noise-talking” game of cards and dominoes. These good times were frequently shared at a barbeque or cookout. During her adult life, Tommie Jean participated in a bowling league and played softball.

She was a member of the Macedonia Baptist Church and later join King Soloman Baptist Church.

After serving many years as a Manager at Target stores, she retired from employment in 2003.

Tommie Jean loved her family. She was the co-founder of the Huey Green Family Reunion which was held annually starting in July 1979. She served as co-lead in the planning and execution of the annual Family Reunions.

She was clearly very devoted to her children and grandchildren. She beamed with pride and adoration when speaking about them. The seeds that she planted are seen in her life’s labor of love as it pertains to her family.

She was predeceased in death by her husband John T. Jones, who passed away on September 29, 2012, her father Thomas Neal, mother Amelia Govan, and brother Raydell Govan whose wife is Bertha Govan.

The family who will carry on her loving memories of her life, daughters, Marian McGee, Brenda Fields, Lasonja Coleman and husband Larry, her son, John Jones, Jr. and wife Shannon, Ross Early Daughtery and wife Rosie, sisters Doris M. Morrow and Patricia Parker and brother Eligha Govan and wife Betty Govan. nineteen (19) grandchildren, and thirty-five (35) great grandchildren, along with numerous other family members, friends, and loved ones.