Flora Jones

Mrs. Flora Jones, 85, of 335 W. Main St., Ilion, passed away Thursday evening, Jan. 22, 2004 at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown. She was born April 11, 1918 in Frankfort, the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Demeo) Durse and received her education in Frankfort schools. Flora received her nursing degree as a graduate of St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in Utica and was also a graduate of Syracuse University. She had been a lifelong resident of this area. In 1941 she joined in marriage with George T. "Gomer" Jones. Together they owned and successfully operated Gomer's Wonder Bar in Herkimer for many years. Their marriage was a union of 44 years until the passing of Mr. Jones Dec. 24, 1985. Flora was a member of the Church of the Annunciation in Ilion. She last worked full-time as director of nursing at Little Falls Hospital. She also took pride in teaching nursing students at St. Rose College in Buffalo, Villa Marie College in Ohio, Morrisville Community College and at St. Elizabeth School of Nursing. Throughout the years she had also been a member of various professional nursing organizations. Flora had a love for flowers and was known to enjoy gardening from time to time, especially in her back yard. She is survived by her beloved family, including two sons, George T. (Pee-Wee) Jones Jr. and wife Donna of Ilion and Brian Jones and his wife Winnie of Oneida; eight grandchildren, Simone Jones, Bridget Jones, Cindy Hailston and husband Dan, and Brian, Sean, Ryan, George and Jessica Jones; two great-grandchildren, Christopher Carney and Tyler Hailston; six sisters, Frances "Chick" Irons of Frankfort, Margaret Rella and husband Tony of Frankfort, Madeline Rella and husband Edward of Oriskany, Antoinette Pawlinga and husband Louis of Little Falls; Pearl Rustenberg of Bellville, Ill., and Mary Stabile of Ilion; a sister-in-law, Betty Jones of Herkimer; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her daughter Noreen Jones; a son Morgan Jones, sisters Yolander Speer and Grace Povia and a brother Tony Stabile. Funeral services will be held Monday, Jan. 26 at 9:1 5 a.m. at the Chapel of the Enea Family Funeral Home, Main Street between Frankfort and Ilion, where prayer will be offered, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Annunciation, West Street, Ilion, celebrated by the Rev. Joseph Benintende, pastor. Interment will take place at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Frankfort. Friends and relatives are invited to pay their respects at the Enea Family Funeral Home on Sunday, Jan. 25 from 4-8 p.m. Those wishing are asked to consider donations in memory of Flora to the Ilion Ambulance, whose members took good care of her. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. The family extends their appreciation to the staff of the Palatine Nursing Home, especially mentioning Flora's granddaughter Simone for the care and compassion extended. Also, a special thank you to Flora's neighbors Dawn and Jack Webster for their guidance and support.