By Al Benson
Wearing a “101” tiara and sash labeled “101 AND FABULOUS,” longtime Wheaton resident Phyllis Virginia Jones celebrated her 101st birthday Tuesday, March 29.
Jones’ party was held on her birthday at Asbury Gardens senior living facility in North Aurora, with nine family and friends attending from four Illinois communities. The celebration included a mini-homecoming, refreshments, and gifts. Asbury staff members, led by Jen Huber, director of guest and community experience, cut and served a birthday cake.
Jones said, “It was good to see the kids. I had a great family.” Children attending with spouses were Jeff and Jim Jones of Wheaton, Glenda Nelson, Elgin; Jerry Jones, Naperville; and Greg Jones, Carol Stream. Daughter Susan Gill of Newport Beach, Calif. and son, Al Jones, Ft. Collins, Colo., were unable to attend.
Born in Hannibal, Mo., Jones married Glen Jones in Hannibal in 1941 when he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps. The couple moved to Wheaton in 1958 where they raised seven children. Included are 15 grandchildren,14 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. Glen died in 2012.
While a homemaker, Phyllis Jones worked at Hawthorne Shoes in Wheaton and Carson Pirie Scott & Co. in Lombard.
Son, Jerry Jones said his mom’s longevity might have been her choice of beverage and gardening with her husband.
“She used to sip a little wine daily,” he said. He added that the couple worked as longtime backyard gardeners at the Wheaton home and raised vegetables. “They always ate healthy from their garden, and canned and froze what they raised.”
Phyllis Jones was a longtime member of Gary United Methodist Church in Wheaton.
—Al Benson