Elizabeth Jones

Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Jones, 90, of Jackson entered her rest and reward Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.

She was born April 15, 1934, in Success, Arkansas, to schoolteachers Albert Silas Jackson and Velma Minnie Sharpe. Following in their footsteps, Betty earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with honors from Southeast Missouri State University and spent 10 years in the teaching field.

After marrying Dr. Thomas Sparkman, Betty was the office manager for his practice. They were blessed with two sons, Kendall and Randall Sparkman.

Elizabeth Jones

Later, Betty moved to Abilene, Texas, where she earned her BS degree in nursing from Abilene Christian University, graduating magna cum laude. Her nursing career consisted of 17 years as a registered nurse serving veterans in the VA hospital in Waco, Texas. She was married to Rex Jones, a highly decorated World War II veteran, in 1980 in Abilene. He preceded her in death after a lengthy illness.

Betty was a member of "Who’s Who in American Nursing", English Honor Society and Cape Girardeau and Missouri medical auxiliaries. She was a Cub Scout den mother, church class teacher and youth group volunteer. Her hobbies included reading, sewing, gardening, refinishing antiques and dabbling in the arts, selling a few of her paintings and articles. She particularly treasured raising her sons, as well as the special friends and relatives God presented to her.

Betty was a faithful member of Jackson Church of Christ, where she was known for always bringing fried chicken to the potluck dinners and purchasing the “comfy chairs” in the back of the church.

Survivors include her youngest son, Randall (Laura) Sparkman of Cape Girardeau; daughter, Sherie (Don) Metcalf of Abilene; four grandchildren, Thomas Sumner Sparkman, Blake Sparkman, Kristen (Chris) Burnett and Terry (Patricia) Jones; nephews, Mike Jackson and Brad Jackson; two nieces, Janet (Jason) Andrews and Teresa (Manny) Reyna; and sister-in-law, Barbara Jackson.

Betty was preceded in death by father, Albert Jackson; mother, Velma Sharpe; husband, Rex Jones; son, Thomas Kendall Sparkman; nephews, Greg Sparkman and John Sparkman; brothers, Howard Jackson and Al Jackson; sister in-law, Izetta Jones; brothers-in-law, Bill Jones and Doyle Jones; and two mothers-in-law, Gertrude Sparkman and Hettie Jones.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to service time Saturday, May 18, Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral will follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with minister Brian Mitchell of the Jackson Church of Christ officiating. Burial will be with her parents and brothers at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Doniphan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made to the Jackson Church of Christ or Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary will be appreciated.

The family would like to thank the Lutheran Home for its exceptional care during these last few difficult months.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.