Myrl D. Jones

Myrl D. Jones went to be with her Savior on Good Friday, April 10, in Tyler, TX. She was born in Lindale, TX, on August 31, 1919 and graduated Lindale High School in 1938 where she distinguished herself on the ladies basketball court. She graduated Draughon’s Business College, Dallas, in 1939 and attended East Texas Baptist College, Marshall, in 1955. Her career spanned 37 years which included working in the WWII defense industry, business bookkeeper, tax accountant, and office manager of a family corporation. Ms. Smith became Mrs. Jones on October 2, 1939 when she married Major Jones of Edgewood, TX. After several tours in the military, Mr. Jones became, Brother Jones, a Southern Baptist Minister. Being a pastor’s wife, Myrl became actively involved in supporting his ministry as a Sunday School teacher for 65 years, Church Training teacher, Women on Missions leader, Vacation Bible School Director and faithful choir member. She was a long-time member of Calvary Baptist Church in Tyler, TX. At the age of 6, Mrs. Jones began singing Sacred Harp music and continued singing her favorite music as the matriarch of the Smith Family Sacred Harp Singing held each March at the New Harmony Community Center near Tyler. Myrl was preceded in death by her parents, A.A. & Lora Smith; beloved husband of 49 years, Major Jones; sister, Myra Smith; brothers, Jack, Andrew, Lawson, and Junior Smith; son in-law, Toby Utz; and grandson, Major Glen Hale. Mrs. Jones is survived by her daughter, Sue Utz of Lindale, TX; son, Curtis & wife Dianne Jones of Arlington, TX; son, David & wife Lynne Jones of Hallsville, TX; daughter, Deborah & husband Michael Wallace of Tyler TX; grandchildren, Jaquetta Boles of Tyler, Angelia Hartman of Lindale, Jonathan Jones of Tyler, Chad Jones of Katy, Melanie Jones of Tyler and Nathaniel Wallace of Tyler. She has 13 great-great grandchildren, 1 great-great-great grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews. A private immediate family graveside service officiated by Pastor Neal Thornburgh will be held at Union Chapel Cemetery in Van, TX. A public memorial service will held at The Woods Baptist Church in Tyler on a later date. Gifts in memory of Myrl D. Jones may be made to the Smith Family Memorial Sacred Harp Singing or to a charity of choice. Gifts and cards should be sent: C/O David L. Jones at 616 Barclay Drive Tyler, TX 75703.

Myrl D. Jones

August 31, 1919 - April 10, 2020