Obituary of Willa M. Jones

Willa Marie Jones, a long time resident of Iowa City, was born on February 20, 1924, on a farm near Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, and passed away on April 19, 2024 at Oaknoll Retirement Community. Her parents were Glenn and Virgia (Allison) Hookom. She married Jay George Jones on June 1, 1947.  They had two sons, Stephen and Douglas. 

Her teaching career covered 35 years in four of Iowa's school systems. The final 22 years were at Coralville Central. Many memberships included First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, NEA, Iowa State Education Association, Delta Kappa Gamma, Questers, NARFE, Iowa City Senior Center and others. She volunteered countless hours for her various interests.

Willa took great pride in her son, Douglas and his wife, Margaret, and her two grandchildren, Allison (Jones) Coblentz and Brian Jones. Sewing, quilting, reading, playing bridge, as well as following current political and business events were among her many activities. She also spent much time and expertise writing about and preserving her family history.

She was preceded in death by her sons, Douglas (1950 - 2009) and Stephen (1948-1948); parents, Glenn and Virgia; husband, Jay; and her brother, Jeems Hookom.

She is survived by daughter-in-law Margaret (Peg) Jones of Lancaster, Ohio, granddaughter, Allison Jones Coblentz (Grady) of Lancaster, Ohio and Brian Jones (Barbie) of Denver, CO. She also had four great grandchildren. 

At her request, there will be no funeral in Iowa City. A private graveside service will be held at the Columbus City Cemetery in Louisa County. A memorial fund has been established at the At Home Library Services at the Iowa City Public Library, 123 S. Linn St., Iowa City, IA 52240.