JONES
Viola Violet
Winston Churchill said, "We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." Viola Violet Jones lived a life that was a gift to us all. Viola Violet Jones of Independence, Missouri passed away on December 1, 2013 in Apache Junction, Arizona. Violet was born on July 31, 1924 to Don Carloss Thomas and Rosie Violet Fisher. She was the oldest of seven children, and the only girl. She often mentioned the trials and tribulations of being "Sis" to six younger brothers. Her brothers adored her and looked up to her for guidance and love throughout her life. Raised during the Depression, Violet's experiences of doing without and working hard continually shaped her life and personality. She was truly a member of The Greatest Generation. Violet graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1941. After her graduation she attended beauty school and graduated with a degree in Cosmetology. She vividly remembered being on the bus riding to her beauty school classes when she heard the Japanese had just attacked Pearl Harbor. On July 29, 1942 she married the love of her life, Norman Russell Jones. Norman and Violet were married for 49 years until his passing on February 12, 1992. They built a beautiful home and life together at 1230 South Liberty in Independence. In 1949, Violet and Norman converted their garage into a beauty shop, and there Violet ran SouthTown Beauty Shop for over 50 years. In 1956 Norman and Violet welcomed their daughter, Dreama Lynn, into their lives. They were doting and loving parents and their little family of three made their lives complete. Violet and Norman loved to travel and see the country. One of their greatest joys was hooking up their Surburban to their Airstream and heading down the road. Their love of travel eventually led them to spending the winters as Arizona Snowbirds. In Arizona they met a wonderful couple, Edie and Ray Niemela. Who would know that one day when Ray and Violet each found themselves alone after the deaths of Edie and Norman that their romance would blossom!? Ray and Violet were married on January 30, 2000. Violet's greatest love and joy was her family. She doted on her grandchildren, Emily and Graham, and enjoyed many happy hours "playing Grandma." She also embraced her new "Canadian" family and they adopted her as well. She cherished the many summer months she spent on their canola farm with a view of the Canadian Rockies. Violet is survived by her husband, Ray Niemela of Benalto, Canada, her daughter and son-in-law Dreama and Fletcher Aldredge of Sedona, Arizona, her granddaughter, Emily Johnson of Denver, CO, her grandson, Graham Aldredge of Flagstaff, AZ, and her brother, Danny Thomas of Independence. She also leaves behind many, many loving relatives and friends. Violet was a lifelong long member of the Enoch Hill Community of Christ Church. Violet's last few days could not have been more perfect and would have been just what she would have chosen. She spent a wonderful Thanksgiving in Denver, Colorado surrounded by her family, then headed to Arizona for another warm winter. On Sunday evening she enjoyed a lovely dinner with Ray and her lifelong best friend, Betty Olson and her husband, Orbin. She came home from dinner, kissed Ray goodnight, and went to bed. She woke up in heaven with what we all know is many, many stars in her crown - an expression she used frequently in describing the good deeds we should all do for each other each day to earn our reward in heaven. Violet, Mom, Granny, Sis... we will miss you every moment, but we know your crown is loaded with those stars... so many you probably can't even hold your head up and it's messing up your hair. Rest in peace. Rest in beauty. Rest in the assurance your life was well lived and you will be forever loved. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 14, 2013 at Speaks Suburban Chapel; 18020 E. 39th Street, Independence, MO 64055. Burial followed at Mound Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Harvesters or online at Harvesters.org. or to the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com