Athens - A celebration of life for Fran Jones will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 10:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church in Athens. The Reverend Woody Meredith will be officiating. Visitation will be held at Autry's Carroll-Lehr Funeral home from 5:00-7:00 PM on Sunday, May 11, 2025.

Mrs. Jones was the youngest of ten children born to Ben and Anna Hoffmeyer of Fulton, MO. After graduating from Fulton High School in 1941 she attended and graduated with honors from St. Lukes Hospital School of Nursing in 1945. She was an operating room nurse for 8 years.

After moving to Athens in 1953 she became the school nurse for Henderson County and served the schools of Cross Roads, Eustace, Bethel, Murchison and LaPoynor for thirty-six years. Even after retirement in 1990 she enjoyed a special bond with faculty and several generations of former students.

She and Dr. Jones bought land outside of Athens and built Ath-Tex Aviation. During those years she became the first woman in Henderson County to obtain a privates pilot's license.

She was a faithful and longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church for 70 years. She offered her beautiful alto voice for many years in the Chancel Choir, taught Sunday School, worked in summer Bible School, the Cain Benevolence Program, served on numerous committees, and prepared the linens for communion services.

A person who took pleasure in working with her hands, she especially enjoyed participation in Athens Labor of Love where she served on the board and for many years was in charge of food organizations for the working crews.

History was a favorite interest, and she compiled several family histories and encouraged the saving of church history.

She was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Dwight A. Jones. Survivors include two daughters and son-in-law Sheri and Willy Robson of Athens, and Vicki Novak of Arlington: four grandsons, SFC Si Robson and wife Audra, Cody Robson and Kenzie Allen, Justin Novak and wife Rebecca and Jason Novak and wife Kaylin. Also bringing her great joy were two great granddaughters, Hazel Althea Robson and Danielle Anne Novak. Also special to her were almost daughter Sally Cook Greer and special caregivers Tammy Hasselbush and Christy Matthews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Presbyterian Children's Services (P.O. Box 637 Waxahachie, TX 75165-9987) or First Presbyterian Church of Athens 405 E Corsicana St. Athens, TX 75751.