Gwendolyn Rena Jones

Born on October twenty-third, nineteen fifty-four, in Houston, Texas, [Mother’s Full Name] was raised in Houston’s historic Fourth Ward, where strong family values, resilience, and a deep sense of community shaped her life. She was the only daughter of Julia L. Jones and John Jones, a proud member of the United States Air Force. Growing up in a military family, she developed discipline, adaptability, and an appreciation for service that influenced her character throughout her life. She went on to build a remarkable career in the oil and gas industry, where she worked for more than thirty-five years. Entering the field at a time when Black women were just beginning to emerge into professional employment, she carried herself with determination, excellence, and grace until her well-earned retirement. A woman of many talents, she played in the band, was a member of the drill team, and was a debutante. She also had a true passion for etiquette, believing in the importance of grace, manners, and carrying oneself with dignity and respect. She took pride in presenting herself with poise and often passed those values on to others. She was also a skilled seamstress, learning to sew alongside her mother, Julia—a bond and craft she cherished throughout her life. She had a deep appreciation for art and especially loved collecting Black porcelain dolls, each one carefully chosen and proudly displayed. She embraced life with curiosity and joy. She loved to travel, try new restaurants, and experience new cultures. Trilingual in French and Spanish, she reflected a lifelong love of learning and connection to the world. In the nineteen nineties, she was an active member of a bowling club, finding joy in fellowship, laughter, and friendly competition. Family was the center of her world. She loved her sons, Shawn Jackson and Jamail Gordon, deeply and unconditionally. She cherished time with her many cousins, close friends, and especially her beloved granddaughters, who brought her endless pride and happiness. Known as a hard worker and a devoted animal lover, she showed compassion not only to people, but to all living beings. Most importantly, she loved the Lord and was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. Her faith guided her steps, strengthened her through every season, and anchored her life in love, hope, and grace. She will be remembered for her strength, creativity, faith, elegance, and unwavering devotion to family. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the love she shared, and the example she leaves behind. She leaves to cherish her memory her sons, Shawn Jackson (Tamiko Jackson) and Jamail Gordon; her aunts Betty Jones and Beverly Gamble; her granddaughters; her aunts; her cousins; and a host of other relatives and friends, along with her beloved dogs.

Gwendolyn Rena Jones

October 23, 1954 - January 18, 2026