Dr. Cleta Mildred Jones

Dr. Cleta Mildred Jones passed away May 21, 2021. She was born June 26, 1927 to Walker and Mattie Jones and the family established itself in Lampasas, Texas. Dr. Jones had four brothers and one sister who predeceased her. She is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews and God-children.

Dr. Jones was a humanitarian and an independent.  She served in the Salvation Army, rising to the rank of Captain. She studied at Loyola University, earning a BA in English with minors in Philosophy, History and Rhetoric. From there she earned a MA from Baylor University and a Doctorate from Texas Women's University. She was an author and professor of English, teaching at universities in Texas and Louisiana, in Wuhu, China and in Japan.

To her young family members, she was a fishing buddy, a wise owl, a caring confidant, a mentor and trusted advisor, a story teller and an adventurer.  For the many young women she mentored, she was an example of female empowerment and independence.  But to all who met her, she was an inspiration.

Dr. Jones was devoted to her church and attended First Baptist Church. Services will be at First Baptist Church in Lampasas on Thursday, May 27, 2021 at 11:00 a.m., with interment at Hillsdale Cemetery. Donations in memory of Dr. Jones may be made to the Hospice Foundation of America.

Cook-Gerngross-Green-Patterson Funeral Home in Rosebud is in charge of arrangements.