On Sunday Oct. 2, 2022, Carol Jean Jones of Lawson, MO, passed peacefully in her home at the age of 68, surrounded by loved ones. Carol’s nursing staff said, “All people die, but we have never seen someone hold on as long as she did; she was a fighter who fought with so much grace, dignity, integrity, and courage, never complaining or questioning, ‘Why me?’” as she put one foot in front of the other, battling what she knew from the start was an incurable cancer.
Carol was born on October 23, 1953, in Warrenton, the sixth of nine children of Melvin Harold and Ida Mae Polston. Her parents and one brother, Jerry Lee, preceded her in death.
She was caring, generous, and loving and much loved in return. Carol would want all of us to remember her with a smile rather than with tears. She would want us to find comfort in knowing she is free from pain and home with her Heavenly Father. Carol was clear-eyed about death, however torn between leaving her soulmate, children, and grandchildren to join her savior and her family gone before her. She was happiest on holidays spent in the kitchen, sometimes days or even weeks in advance, preparing for a day filled with everyone she loved crowded around the table. Carol will always continue to bring sunshine into our lives whether through the glimpse of a hummingbird humming by or the sight of a beautiful quilt. We will miss her sense of humor, her contagious smile, her warm hugs, and that laugh that would light up a room. She will be deeply loved forever and will never be forgotten. Carol Jean was that “one-in-a-million” special kind of person.
Carol is survived by her true soulmate and the love of her life, Bruce L. Jones of Lawson. She was the sparkle in his eye, and he was her knight in shining armor. They were united in marriage on April 7, 1979, and had just celebrated their 43rd year of marriage. They were a romantic, through-thick-and-thin couple, dancing to songs they grew up on, holding hands, and standing by each other’s side until the very end.
Carol also leaves behind four beloved children, Travis James Buxton and wife Jocelyn of Odessa, MO, and Miranda Jean Gray and husband Joshua of Holt, MO. Those who knew Carol knew that her five granddaughters were her entire world: Ramey Isabel Buxton (25), Rylan Marie Buxton (22), Gracie James Buxton (19), Faith Gabriella Gray (17), and Hope Christella Gray (15). Carol also leaves behind seven siblings, Melvin Harold (Cherry) Polston Jr. of Bowling Green, MO, Donna Marie (Charlie) Fleahman of Jonesburg, Barbara Ann Sebacher of Jonesburg, Lora Mae (Red) Adams of Warrenton, Mary Ellen Ludy of Clarksville, TN, Rita Lynn Gill of New Haven, MO, and Sherri Kay (Randy) Holloway of Jonesburg; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and cherished friends. She will be greatly missed by all.
Visitation will be held at Bross and Spidle Funeral Home, 214 N. Pennsylvania, Lawson, MO, on Wednesday, Oct. 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Rayville Christian Union Church, 14459 Hwy C, Rayville, MO, on Thursday, Oct. 6 from 11 a.m. to noon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rayville Christian Union Church Youth or Missions’ programs.
