E. (Eliza) Anne Jones

E. (Eliza) Anne Jones, 93, a resident of North Fort Myers, FL for the past 31 years, formerly of Peoria, IL, passed away on Monday, November 4 in Cape Coral, FL. She was born on April 11, 1931, in Moweaqua, ILto Evelyn and Blanchette Snyder, now deceased. Anne was a proud Illinois farm girl who drove the tractor, prepared meals, and won Reserve Grand Champion for her steer at the Illinois State Fair. She adored her parents and brothers, Jimmy, Gwinner, and Michael Jesse. Anne was a cheerleader at Moweaqua High School and stayed a devoted friend to her high school best friends, twins Peg and Pat, for over 80 years. At Illinois Wesleyan University, she was a cheerleader and part of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. While there, Anne started dating the president of the student body, Bill Jones, and married him 7 months later. She then worked at a restaurant owned by her parents-in-law, State Farm Insurance, and the local Girl Scout office to put Bill through college and seminary. She dreamed of being a mother to boys but was not disappointed when their daughters Cindy, Deb, and Jan were born, who she parented with love and care throughout their lives.

Anne served beside Bill in ministry for over 40 years at these United Methodist churches across central Illinois: Center Henton, Hammond, Quincy Vermont Street, Ashland, Clinton, Monmouth, Moline First, Decatur Grace, and Peoria First. Truly a hostess at heart, Anne enjoyed entertaining friends from around the world. In some cases, Anne and Bill hosted guests for a great meal they prepared together; in others – including beloved exchange student Anita Prather – guests became family and lived with them for years.

A very hard working and organized person, Anne did not like to sit still. She and Bill traveled whenever possible, visiting all the United States, and many trips to Palestine, Haiti, Singapore, Greece, and Europe. She loved feeding her hummingbirds at their A-frame home on Table Rock Lake in Missouri and fishing with Bill off Florida’s Gulf Coast. She listened to St. Louis Cardinal games on the radio faithfully. Anne added beauty to every setting she was in, including her homes, many church altars, and through gifts to others. Gratefulness filled her heart and was often offered through delicious baked goods. She also enjoyed playing the vibraharp and singing in choirs.

Anne’s devotion to her husband Bill was complete. For over 70 years they supported, cared, laughed, and loved each other unconditionally. She shared this love with her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in strong and practical ways. In the last year of her life, dementia stole her sense of place and time, but not her memories of those she loved or her sweet disposition.

Anne attended Cypress Lake United Methodist Church in Fort Myers, FL. She is survived by her three loving daughters, Rev. Cynthia Jones of North Fort Myers, FL, Deborah Phillips (William) of Las Cruces, NM, Jan Ellen Morse (Jack) of Decatur, IL; four grandchildren, Elizabeth Jones, Rachel Jones, Julie Nalley (Brandon), and Jared Morse (Kara); as well as six great-grandchildren, Benjamin Settles, Isabella Settles, Eden Nalley, Mackenzie Houston-Nalley, Eli Morse, and Eva Morse.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 7th at 11am at Moweaqua First United Methodist Church (222 North Hanover St. Moweaqua, IL 62550). The service will jointly celebrate the lives of Anne and her beloved husband of 70 years, Rev. Dr. James William Jones (Bill), who passed away on July 20, 2020.

Memorial gifts in memory of Anne are suggested to the Preachers Aid Society (https://www.pasbf.org/) or the church of your choice.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, FL is entrusted with final care.