Patti Poole Jones
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Patti Poole Jones, 63, of Mansfield, died February 18, following a stroke on February 13. In keeping with her giving spirit in life, she was an organ donor and as a result, will continue to give life to a number of recipients.
A private family memorial service was held at noon, Saturday, February 20. A public celebration for family and friends is tentatively scheduled for October, health protocols permitting.
A native of Sherman, Texas, she was born October 19, 1957, the daughter of the late Willis and Dorothy Morris Poole. After graduating from Sherman High School in 1976, she attended Baylor University and earned a bachelor's degree in education with a certification in special education in 1979. In 1980, she married her college sweetheart, Blair Jones, following his graduation from Baylor. She then earned a master's degree from the University of North Texas in public school administration in 1983.
She began her teaching career in Plano, Texas and later served as a teacher and principal in the Mansfield Independent School District for seven years, serving for five years as principal at Alice Ponder Elementary School. She was an active volunteer in the community and in the school system, serving on a number of committees and in other leadership roles as a band parent and PTA leader. She was a long-time member of South Oaks Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas, and served in a number of leadership capacities in the church. For many years, she coordinated the church's involvement with the Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child ministry and also was a leader in the church's Girls in Action program in addition to teaching. She served two terms on the executive board for the Baptist General Convention of Texas and on the board for the Texas Baptist Missions Foundation.
The Jones family loved to travel and fulfilled a goal of taking their children to all fifty states before their college graduations. Apart from traveling, Patti was an active supporter of the Baylor University Lady Bears basketball and softball teams as well as a season ticket holder of the Texas Rangers baseball team. She loved life, family, and Dr Pepper, and recently fulfilled her dream of skydiving with her children (but not her husband, who is afraid of heights).
Survivors include her husband; two daughters, Cami Jones of Alabaster, Alabama, and Alli Jones (Mark McDade) of Erie, Pennsylvania; and a son, Caleb Jones (Michaela Montano), of Arlington. Bonus children include Brandon Compean and Justine Abella of Arlington, Alonso Fieldhouse Reyes of Santiago, Chile, and Shara Ibbott Menzies (Jock) of Armidale, NSW, Australia. In addition, one brother, Philip Poole (Shellyn) of Spanish Fort, Alabama; her sister-in-law, Lindy Jones Gillenwaters of Conroe, Texas; her brother-in-law, Zane Jones (Karen) of Troy, Texas; cousin Leigh Anne Smith (Houston) of St. Louis, Missouri; five nieces; five great-nieces; one great-nephew; and a host of other cousins and family members.
In addition to her parents and parents-in-law, Patti was predeceased by her sister, Pamela Poole.
Patti always preferred charitable donations over flowers and other plants at a memorial service. The family has suggested memorial gifts to support church starts at: Texas Baptists, 7557 Rambler Road, Suite 1200, Dallas, TX 75231 for Mission Mobilization, Acct #13246, or a charity of your choice.