Lillian Jones

Lillian Jones, 101, of Cape Girardeau died peacefully Friday, June 26, 2020.

She was born Nov. 21, 1918, in Bismarck, Missouri, the daughter of Daniel and Nora Martin Ringer, and had three sisters and one brother (deceased).

She is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Lillian graduated from Cape Girardeau Central High School and married Alfred Jones in 1936. Alfred passed away after the couple had celebrated 51 years of marriage. She was a homemaker with special talents in sewing, quilting and painting.

Lillian and Alfred were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Barbara Jane, on May 10, 1942 (deceased).

Lillian has been a driving force for programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Cape Girardeau County ever since. She became a member of the local Association for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in 1957. She had served as an active member since 1967 for VIP Industries, the local sheltered workshop for those who cannot work in competitive industry. Serving on the board of directors of Regency Management Inc. since 1990, Lillian helped oversee the formation of three residential housing projects that give individuals the chance to live in their own apartments with individualized services. She was also on the Heartland Board. As an active citizen, Lillian was also a member of AARP and the Senior Citizens Center.

She enjoyed her many years of wintering in Florida with Alfred and Barbara. She also traveled to seven other countries.

Lillian was a member of Grace United Methodist Church and a member of the Rasche Sunday School class, the Quilting Group and The Amazing Greys Senior Group. She was a charter member of the Women's Society for Christian Service, which is now United Methodist Women. She lived independently and enjoyed her home on Bessie Street in Cape Girardeau since 1950, until she moved to Chateau Girardeau on Dec. 24, 2017. Lillian is an inspiration to the residents and staff of Chateau Girardeau.

Visitation will be from 9:30 until 11 a.m. Thursday at Grace United Methodist Church.

The service will follow at 11 a.m. Thursday at the church, with the Rev. Eric Schmidt officiating. Burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to VIP Industries or Grace United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau.

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