Rebecca Jones

Rebecca "Becky" Jones Becky Jones, age 63, of Austin, died on Mother's Day Sunday, May 13th, 2013, after a too-brief struggle with brain cancer. Becky was the daughter of Dr. Wilton Jones and Edyth N. Jones. She grew up in Snyder, Texas, the oldest of three children. Even as a schoolgirl, she had a deep sense of curiosity about different cultures, people and places, and excelled in school. Becky received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Texas, with a specialization in speech therapy. Becky was an Early Childhood Special Ed speech therapist with Austin ISD for 7 years working at Casis Elementary and Zilker Elementary. Becky worked at the Austin Children's Museum for 28 years: as Director of Exhibits, as Interim Director, and finally as Director of Education. The institution grew and benefitted from her keen intelligence, unlimited creativity, total commitment and passion. Although Becky was the driving force behind much of what made the museum a special place for generations of children, she tended to avoid accolades and simply focus on the work. Becky had an enthusiasm for gardening, all things of the natural world, and most of all, bird-watching. Her ardent commitment to nature led her to create a garden and courtyard that are certified by the National Wildlife Federation as a Wildlife Habitat. Her intense interests led her on many travels, from annual migration trips to High Island, Texas; trips to watch blue whales in the Santa Barbara channel; winters watching sand hill cranes in New Mexico; incredible orca encounters on San Juan island; bear and wolf watching in Yellowstone National Park....and many lazy hours sitting on her porch watching birds in the environment she created in her courtyard, with her yellow lab, Sunny, by her side. Her intense interest in birds led her to investigate research and discover facts large and small. Becky and Joe threw enormous energy into working on their home together. Through the labor of their own hands, every detail was attended to. Becky's fine sense of style, understanding of color and commitment to simplicity made their home a unique and restful place. Becky was the wife and best friend of Joe Doherty, and mother to Andrew Alsup, who, tragically, died when he was only 22. Becky's strength of will and character carried her through the loss of her only child. Becky is survived by her sister Penny (Eddie) Bane, her brother Tim Jones and her step-mom Caroline Reed-Jones. She was aunt to many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service for Becky will be held at the Austin Children's Museum, 201 Colorado Street in Austin, on Friday June 7th at 10:00 a.m. Instead of sending flowers, please make a contribution to Hospice Austin's Christopher House or to the Austin Children's Museum. In Becky's final two weeks, she declared her favorite bird to be a Carolina wren. She always noted that a wren would be the first or second bird to sing in her yard, every morning. Native Americans have a word for wrens that means 'little bird with a big voice.' Becky Jones was a gentle woman with a huge voice. Wrens are everywhere. Listen for one in your yard, and think of Becky.