Clara A. Jones, 82

Clara A. Jones, 82, of Phoenix, Ariz., went to be with the Lord on Feb. 6, 2022.

Clara was born in 1939 in Kellogg, Idaho, and grew up in Fourth of July Canyon until her parents, Carl and Lillian Erickson, moved the family to Post Falls, Idaho, in 1949.

Mom had a love for sewing and beauty pageants and excelled at both, making most of her clothes for school and the pageants. She was crowned Miss Post Falls in her late teens, going on to be crowned the first-ever Miss Greater Spokane in 1958.

Soon after, she married Richard P. Jones in 1960 and headed to Detroit, Mich., where their four children were raised until they moved to Phoenix, Ariz., in 1969. Mom was a loyal and hard worker and retired from the Arizona Department of Economic Security after 20 years, where she relentlessly helped the disabled.

After retiring, she went back to work for Arizona DES part-time, until she had a stroke in 2016. While growing up, and right up until her passing, it was impossible for anyone to visit Mom and not be welcomed, loved and sent away with food, money, a tank a gas or all three — or more! She was a cheerful giver, often giving out of her lack, with one goal in mind, wanting others’ lives to be a little easier. The gift of hospitality was one of her many strengths.

Mom was full of compassion for the less fortunate, a great encourager to the down-trodden, a present help to those in need, a defender to the defenseless. Her strong faith in her Savior, Redeemer and Deliverer, Jesus, caused her to overcome life’s-difficulties leaving an everlasting, eternal affect upon her children’s lives by teaching us the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Mom’s greatest joy and pride in life were her three sons and daughter — her cats were a close second! She always made a point to be actively involved in our lives, rooting us on as only a mom can do, despite her own afflictions. She was an encourager to all who came into her path, but especially to her children — no one will ever be able to take your place Mom! Her countless prayers and tears of intercession have not gone unanswered. Instead, they have caused destinies to be fulfilled in the lives of many. Mom was a prayer warrior, never giving up until the victory was secured! She taught us to laugh through the hard times and the good times, and her sharp wit was capable to leave one laughing for years to come — often with her not even knowing how it softened hearts and bad situations. She had a passion for sewing, gardening, her cats and chickens! Mom, you are beloved of the Most High, a devoted, faithful and cherished Mom and a loyal friend to many, who will be greatly missed, but never forgotten!

Clara was predeceased by younger brother John Erickson, parents Carl A. and Lillian A. Erickson and Richard P. Jones. She is survived by her beloved sons and daughter; Tim Jones, Terry Jones, Tom Jones and Tracy Hogan, daughter-in-law KJ Jones.

PHOENIX, ARIZ.: Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 18, 2022, at Living Streams Church, 7000 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85020. Service will be livestreamed: https://youtube.com/channel/UC0CmgO4lzH1A4AJNTdOqQNQ. Flowers can be sent attention: Pastor David Stockton in care of Clara Jones Memorial.

COEUR d’ALENE, IDAHO: Graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, at Forest Cemetery, 1011 N. Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new” [Rev. 21:4-5].