Elaine Grace Jones
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Elaine Grace Jones, 59, of Lawrence, Kansas passed away at home on Thursday, October 27, 2022, after valiantly and faithfully fighting a 15-year battle with Primary Progressive Aphasia.
Elaine was born on October 21, 1963, in Houston, TX, the second child of Benjamin Franklin and Beverly June (Carter) Jones.
Elaine’s childhood was blessed by the love of her family and a personal relationship with Jesus, whom she trusted as her Lord and Savior at an early age. Her youthful enjoyment of outdoor adventures, traveling near and far, Legos, Star Wars, C.S. Lewis, all types of music, games and puzzles stayed with her to her last days. Graduating from Memorial High School in 1982, Elaine completed a bachelor’s degree in Math from the University of Oklahoma in 1986.
While at the University of Oklahoma, Elaine was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority, and a passionate follower of all OU sports (Boomer Sooner!). Most importantly, she was active in the Baptist Student Union, growing in her faith and solidifying her deep knowledge of God’s Word. She faithfully mentored other young women to pursue Jesus with their whole hearts. She traveled both nationally and internationally with teams of OU students to share their faith in Jesus. It was during one of these trips that she gained a life-long love for Romania.
After OU, Elaine taught one year of high school math in Everman, TX. She then moved to Lawrence, KS, and earned a PhD in Finance from the University of Kansas. In Lawrence, Elaine joined Grace EPC and made friends who became family for eternity. She also became an avid Jayhawk fan with season tickets for a number of sports including football and basketball (Rock Chalk Jayhawk!). With the conclusion of her graduate studies, Elaine joined the faculty of the University of Central Missouri. She loved being a professor at UCM, especially when she got to teach some of the International Finance courses. She was with the University for 25 years, until illness forced her to retire.
Elaine was an extremely intelligent, wise, and generous soul. She was a dear friend and a loving aunt. She knew how to throw an amazing party with fireworks, or lobster from Maine, or a new TV to better watch the Super Bowl. She loved to share experiences whether it was a trip to NYC for nieces and nephews or tickets to Les Miserable for some of the youth group kids. She was passionate about studying her Bible and faithful to women’s bible study. She taught Sunday School for decades; first for 5th and 6th grade and then middle school girls. She loved to travel and really loved looking for moose.
Elaine is survived by her father, Dr. Benjamin Franklin Jones, Houston, TX; friend and caregiver, Liz Zayat, Lawrence, KS, sister, Marianna (Jerry) Nanson, Colleyville, TX, brother, David (Liliya) Jones, Overland Park, KS; nieces and nephews, Nathan (Beth) Nanson, Sealy, TX, Kara (Wade) Barber, Rogers, AR, Lauren Nanson, Los Angeles, CA, Caroline Nanson, Brooklyn, NY, David Nanson, Austin, TX, Andrei, Thomas, and Phillip Jones, Overland Park, KS; and great-nieces and nephews, Ethan, Quinlan, Rhys, Evie (Kara & Wade) and Hannah (Nathan & Beth). Elaine was preceded in death by her mother, Beverly.
A memorial service will take place on November 25, at 2:00pm at Grace Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 3312 Calvin Dr., Lawrence, KS, 66049.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Elaine’s name to the Grace Evangelical Presbyterian Church (Lawrence, KS) or Camp Peniel (Marble Falls, TX) or OU Baptist Collegiate Ministry (Norman, OK) and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.
We miss our friend but rejoice that she is at peace and with God.
Marlene McKee
I taught Elaine in First Grade Sunday School and love recalling her mischievous smile and the twinkle in her eyes! The blessing goes on. A life well lived!
Elaine’s smile, warmth and intelligence emanated from her as rays from the Son! Courageous and loving, she is a model for
how a child of God should journey through this life to Heaven. She leaves a legacy of souls in love with the Savior – well done, good
and faithful servant. Time to rest!
Peggy (aunt to Liz Zayat)
I was department chair when we hired Elaine at UCM in (I think!) 1993. What a great decision! Elaine was the consummate professional in the classroom. Those students who were in her classes were in for a treat while learning. Her student evaluations were consistently excellent. We miss her.
We are so blessed to have known Elaine. It is a joy to celebrate and remember her life and love for Jesus. She will be so missed.
What a life lived with such great gusto and priorities. She will be missed so much.
I am so sorry for the family and friends in their loss of Elaine. I was privileged to witness how Elaine loved others so well. She created fun and gave such joy to her family, friends, church, community, co-workers and students. Elaine’s presence will be grieved and missed in the many lives she so generous touched! The comfort and good news is Elaine loved her LORD JESUS and is now celebrating in HIS presence with her restored body and mind. All praise to GOD for the gift of Elaine in our lives.
Dr. Jones was a young instructor at CMSU when I met her in my coursework for an undergrad degree in Finance. She was a good instructor;
knowledgeable, challenging, always fair in her grading/evaluation, and most importantly, she cared about the success of her students. I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to learn from her. My sincere condolences go out to her family and friends.
Elaine loved our family well. She treated my children as if they were her own. I really appreciated her honest friendship. She loved the Lord and I am comforted knowing that she is with Him in peace and wholeness.
Wow! What an AMAZING life lived, reading how our Lord and savior used Elaine to reach others and share Biblical truth is moving and inspiring. Continued prayers for family members, especially our cherished Mrs. Nanson.
With love,
The MacLarens