Mildred “Millie” Irene Henry Jones, of Richland, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on June 11, 2025, at the age of 99.
Millie was born on March 19, 1926, in Monroe County, Tennessee, the daughter of Bob T. and Ada (Bivens) Henry. She began her education in a one-room schoolhouse in Antioch and later attended Friendsville Academy in Friendsville, Tennessee. Her passion for learning led her to Marion College in Indiana, where she earned a teaching degree in 1955. While attending college, Millie played on the basketball team and sang in the college choir.
After graduating, she began teaching fourth grade in Swayzee, Indiana. Soon after, Millie answered a call from the Friends United Meeting to serve as a teacher for missionary children in Kenya, East Africa—a mission that lasted three and a half years.
Upon returning to the United States, Millie was introduced to Robert B. Jones, son of Bruce and Addie Lincoln Jones. They were married on September 12, 1964, and made their home on a farm near Pleasant Plain, where they raised two sons, Evan and Calvin.
Millie was deeply involved in her community and faith. She was a dedicated member of the Pleasant Plain Friends Church, serving as a Sunday School teacher, board member, and active participant in the United Society of Friends Women on both local and international levels. Committed to education, she also served two terms on the Fairfield School Board.
Millie’s sense of humor, vibrant personality, and faith in God shone through in all aspects of her life. In her free time, she enjoyed reading, traveling, and sporting events.
Millie is survived by her husband of over 60 years, Bob; her sons, Evan and Calvin Jones (Renee Buchholz); sisters-in-law Janet Jones and Emma Jean Henry; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Wilker, Ray, Vestal, Rex, and Calvin Henry; and her sisters Voreta Henry and Annie Kirkland.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Pleasant Plain Friends Church, with Pastor Stan Bauer officiating. The family will receive visitors starting at 10:00 a.m. Burial and a dinner will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Pleasant Plain Friends Church or The Lord’s Cupboard. Friends may leave online condolences or join the webcast at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.