Our beloved “Granny” Karen Sue Jones passed away on July 15^th, 2022.  She peacefully went into the arms of the lord while her family was present in her home.  Karen was born June 12^th, 1943 to Alfred and Beatrice Jones in Terre Haute, Indiana.  Growing up in Terre Haute she graduated from Garfield High in 1961.  Married her high school sweetheart Thomas J. Jones Jr. in 1962 and moved to Kansas City, Missouri in 1969.  They purchased a home in The Coves during 1970 and Granny spent the rest of her life there.  Taking care of a family of 5 until her divorce in 1978, Karen forged ahead with her 3 sons Dan (Danny), Kevin and Ned (Aaron) and never looked back.

Shifting gears from a full-time mom, wife, Coves swim team and HOA member, local volunteer at KC branch of VIVA and church, Karen had to readjust her life and get back into the workforce.  She managed the Kelso’s Pizza shop at Metro North Mall during the late 70’s and became an entrepreneur by franchising her own Kelso’s Pizza Shop at Park Plaza.  Some of her fondest memories were created during this period.  Not only did she raise, educate, and mentor her 3 sons, but everyone else that worked for her at the pizza shop. 

Never the one to sit still or idly watch the world go by, she went back to college and received her BS degree in teaching from Missouri Western State College in 1986.  Before accomplishing that she fought and won her battle with breast cancer.  Upon graduation she went into the KCMSD and started teaching at Fairview Alternative School.  Achieving her master’s degree at UMKC in 1989, she continued to teach, mold, and mentor students at Fairview.  Another phase in her life that she spoke fondly of often.  Again, a change was brewing in her life and she decided to go directly into the homes of students who were unable to attend school in person.  She spent the last 10 years of her teaching career being a special education home bound teacher.  Retiring in 2009 she was set on jet setting and traveling around the country/world.  So that is exactly what she did.

Throughout her life, Karen was actively involved with church, but it was not until she found her true family at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer where her faith really blossomed.  So much is owed to so few at this blessed refuge from the craziness happening in the world.  This community/family made our Granny complete and humble.  A blessing that can only be felt and cannot be explained. 

Preceded in death by her parents Alfred and Beatrice Jones, brother Vernon Jones, ex-husband and only love Thomas Jones Jr, his wife Susan “Moo Moo” Jones and cherished grandson Dawson Jones.

She is survived by her 3 sons: Dan Jones (Kathy) of Kansas City; Kevin Jones (Joely) of Kansas City; Ned Jones of Omaha; 8 grandchildren: Hannah, Jasmine, Ariel, Mackenzie, Danny, Camden, Avrey and Andrew Jones; 5 great grandchildren and 5 nieces and nephews.

Karen was a Rock of Gibraltar to so many people in her life.  There will never be another one like our Granny.  She would always tell you the way things were as she perceived life.  To agree or not with her, the infamous reply would be “It is what it is”.  Take it or leave it, we all benefited eventually from her wisdom.  You are truly free now Granny.  We ALL love and loved you so dearly.

Celebration of Life event will be held Saturday August 6^th, 2022 at the Coves Clubhouse from 6-10pm at 8221 N. Overland Dr KCMO 64151.

Services will be held on Sunday August 7^th, 2022 at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer from 2-4:00 pm at 7110 N State Route 9 KCMO 64152.

Karen has requested in Lieu of flowers that all donations be presented to the Northland Infant Clothing Center (NICC) located at the Church of the Redeemer.