Sylvia Jean Jones of Celeste, Texas, passed away November 28, 2022, at the age of 80. She was born on September 15, 1942, to Bolden “Dub” Ward Raper and Jessy Alene Raper (Bradshaw) in Commerce, Texas.
Sylvia attended school in Celeste, Texas, and received her GED several years later. She worked at Love’s in Celeste, Lance, and Walmart in Greenville. She was an involved member of the First Baptist Church in Celeste. She taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for the elementary ages.
Sylvia dedicated several years to researching cemetery headstones for genealogical research with intent of publishing a book. She even enjoyed tracing her own lineage to Colonel Young, who gave Young County its name.
Sylvia was very generous. In her spare time, she made clothing for friends and family including wedding dresses and drill team uniforms. She enjoyed quilting with her mother and grandmother.
Sylvia was a loving mother and grandmother. She supported her children and grandchildren and was always there for all of their various school activities.
Sylvia is survived by her daughter, Diann Jones and husband, Brad Williams, of Fate, Texas; son, Steven Jones and wife, Dannie Ann of Celeste, Texas; grandchildren, Joshua Ishmael, Courtney Ishmael, and fiancé, Troy Bonneville, Ty Williams, Caden Jones and wife, Arlie, Keaton Jones and wife, Regan, Lauren Morrison, Drew Rodaway, and Brook Rodaway; and great grandchildren, Levi, Tucker, Rylee, Jax, Ellie, Blayke, Madison, Hannah, and Mia.
She was preceded in death by both her parents, Dub Raper and Jessy Cowling; brother, Billy Wayne Raper; and son in law, Jimmy Ishmael.
A funeral service will be held at 10 AM, Friday, December 9, 2022, at Turrentine Jackson Morrow Funeral Home, 701 North Cedar Street, Leonard, Tx 75452. The family will welcome guests at a visitation from 6-8 PM, Thursday, December 8, 2022, at Turrentine Jackson Morrow. Following the services, there will be a procession to Hogeye (Celeste) Cemetery.
Pallbearers for Sylvia’s service are Troy Bonneville, Joshua Ishmael, Caden Jones, Keaton Jones, Eugene Gregory, and Colin Raper.