Clarice Jones

Clarice Fay Jones, age 86, of Joplin, MO, went to be with Jesus, her Savior, on May 2, 2025, at her home surrounded by her children. She was born on May 26, 1938, in McCune, Kansas, to the late Charles Riggs and Mabel (Adams) Riggs.

Clarice graduated from McCune High School and then attended the William Newton Memorial School of Nursing at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas and became a registered nurse. While in nursing school, she met the love of her life, Harold Jones Harold began a term of service in the US Army, where he served honorably in the 82nd Air Born Division in Augsburg, Germany. They “dated” through writing letters while she attended her last year of nursing school, and he was in Germany. He returned home with an engagement ring, and they were married February 15, 1959. Clarice’s professional life was a testament to her caring nature. She served as a Registered Nurse at various area hospitals, touching the lives of countless individuals with her kindness and expertise. Her colleagues and the many patients she cared for will remember her gentle manner and unwavering commitment to their well-being.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Clarice was a woman of many talents and passions. She was a master quilter, whose intricate designs and vibrant patterns brought warmth and beauty to all who were fortunate enough to receive her creations. She was a member of the Bartlesville, Oklahoma Quilt Guild. Crocheting and knitting were more than hobbies for Clarice; they were acts of love. She knitted hats for the hospital nursery and mission fields, providing comfort and care to newborns and those in need. She also knitted and crocheted baby blankets for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Clarice loved the Lord and served faithfully in her church. She sang in the church choir and assisted with the church library. Clarice’s faith was a guiding force in her life, and she lived it out through her involvement with Women of Compassion and her support of the Oklahoma Baptist Children’s Home.

Above all Clarice was a wonderful, caring, compassionate mother and wife, She loved spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and was a constant source of encouragement and support for them.

Clarice is survived by her children, Karen Derrick (Dan), Jeff Jones (Lidia), Mike Jones (Lisa), and Kim Church (Jason); grandchildren, Sarah, Todd, Kaylee, Chris, Skyler, Jake, Caleb, Keagan, Abby, Seth, and Levi; 9 great-grandchildren; siblings, Bess Anna Bennett, Marilyn Daggett, and Helen Grove.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 64 years, Harold Jones, and twin brother, Calvin Riggs.

A funeral service is planned for Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary Chapel in Joplin, Mo. Burial to follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Oklahoma Baptist Children’s Home in care of the mortuary.

Arrangements are under the direct care of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, MO.

Final resting place Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery, Joplin Missouri.