Carole Lee Mathenia Jones, beloved mother and grandmother passed away suddenly on Feb. 24, 2021 in Pensacola Florida. Carole was born July 8, 1937 to Edgar J. and Betty Smallwood Mathenia in Granite City, IL. She attended grade school in Granite City, and later the family moved to California, settling in Vallejo where she graduated from Vallejo Senior High School in 1955.

On New Year's Eve, 1953 Carole met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Marzell Jones at the Naval Hospital Mare Island where Bob worked as a Corpsman. It was love at first site for both of them. They continued to date and married on August 20,1955 in Reno, Nevada. Soon after they started their family, Carole lived the life as a military spouse and went to many destinations, making life-long friends throughout their travels. Her favorite was living on the Island of Guam and enjoying the tropical weather year round for two years. Carole and Bob were blessed with 56 years of Marriage and shared a very special bond and closeness throughout those years.

Carole worked most of her life, primarily in payroll and accounting, retiring from management in 1999 from SBC in San Antonio, TX. Carole was an avid Precious Moments collector and enjoyed going to the many events it offered, including a memorable and exciting event in Honolulu, Hawaii. With Gypsy in her blood, she also continued her love of travel throughout her life  particularly going on cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean Islands, and Mexico, to name a few and to Disney World and their Cruise line with her daughter Debi. She also enjoyed researching genealogy, being the historian for many extended family members and going to casinos.  Carole also loved the water, she could watch the ocean for hours on end. The warmer climates suited her and her last move and home was to Niceville Florida. Carole was an extraordinary cook and could make almost any ethnic cuisine as for those of us who could attest to it; we all had our favorites. Carole shared her husband Bob's love of country music, but in heart she was a rocker who loved Credence Clearwater Revival.

Above all else, Carole put her love of family first.  She was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She was an animal lover and there never was a time she did not have at least two or more fur-babies in her home and now leaves behind her beloved pet and companion, "Buddy", a small breed Chihuahua.

In addition to her parents, Carole was preceded in death by her Husband, Bob, Son, Robert David (Dave) Jones, Brother, Edgar M. Mathenia and Grandson, Joshua David Marzell Jones.

She is survived by daughters Debi Jones Griffin (Kevin), and  Pam Jones (Larry), grandchildren David Jones, Kari Gartman, Kain Connell, Nick Connell and Mary Griffin, and great-grandchildren Parker Gartman and Bella Gartman, three brother-in-laws, Glynn Nelson, Charlie Jones & Donald Howard and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held for Mrs. Carol Lee Jones from 12:30 p.m. until 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 2, 2021, in the Vienna Public Cemetery, Hwy. 42 West, Vienna, MO 65582, with her graveside memorial service following at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Larry Sorrells, Vienna United Methodist Church, officiating, under the direction of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home in Vienna.

Online condolences may be shared with the family of Mrs. Carol Lee Jones at www.birminghammartinfuneralhomes.com