Obituary of Phyllis Jean Jones

Phyllis Jean (Spitz) Jones, age 72, of The Woodlands, passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at her residence, surrounded by family. Phyllis was born August 11, 1951, in Olney, Illinois, the fourth of eight children to Herman F. Spitz and Jane (Eckenrode) Spitz.  She graduated from East Richland High School in Olney in 1969.  Soon after, she set out on her own, eventually settling in Chicago where she worked as an administrative assistant. She also took time to volunteer as a big sister with Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

Phyllis demonstrated her drive and ambition by taking night classes at DePaul University and through this hard work, eventually secured a management career at FMC Corporation in Chicago in 1981. Phyllis met the love of her life, the late Leo Neil Jones, at FMC and they married at the Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, May 29, 1983. They took up residence in Wheaton, Illinois.

In 1995 Phyllis and her husband Leo adopted their son Jeffrey, and Phyllis retired in 2003 to raise her son. She was a den mother in Jeffrey’s cub scout pack, and she carpooled kids to school. In 2008 Leo’s job took the family to Houston, TX. Phyllis was a devout member and volunteer at Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Church in The Woodlands, along with Leo who was a cantor and very active in the choir.

Phyllis loved to do puzzles, eat popcorn, like all the Spitz’s, and watch movies and TV shows. She also loved music and enjoyed making her own play lists. Her dog Coco was a pleasure and comfort, sleeping in her lap and on the foot of her bed. When she could, she loved to take Coco on car rides.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Neil Jones, her parents, Herman and Jane Spitz, and brothers-in-law, Ronald Perley and Timothy Barnhart.  Phyllis is survived by her son Jeffrey and his wife Maria, brothers Michael (Anne) Spitz, Jerome (Ron) Spitz, David Spitz, Stephen (Susan) Spitz, Vincent (Susan) Spitz, two sisters, Beverly (Bill) McClung, and Patricia (Tim) Barnhart and many loving in-laws and nieces and nephews.

Phyllis was a devoted wife and mother and a loyal friend. Those that loved her will miss her intellectual discussions and her outspoken personality. Her loving and compassionate spirit uplifted us. Phyllis shared her resources, providing many young people opportunities of enrichment. She will be admired for her courage and her fortitude.

Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Monday, May 6, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., with a reception in Domec Hall following the service at Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Church, 26777 Glen Lock Dr., The Woodlands, Texas.

There are two Live Stream links to choose from.

https://www.youtube.com/ssjwoodlands

https://www.facebook.com/ssjwoodlands/

You may also view the funeral any time after the funeral service.

The Rite of Interment will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Forest Park, The Woodlands Cemetery, 18000 Interstate 45 S., The Woodlands, Texas.