Deborah April Williams-Jones

1955 - 2022

Deborah April Williams-Jones

April 17, 1955 - Nov. 7, 2022

Debbie was born in Helena, MT, on April 17, 1955, to Marshall and Della Williams. She was the youngest of five children and the only girl. Debbie was a graduate of Helena High and while in school, was elected co-head of the Helena Bengalettes marching drill team. After graduation, she attended Carroll College where she attained a Bachelor of Arts Degree.

She loved dancing and studied for many years with Trudy McDonald at the McDonald School of Dance. She went on to be a dance instructor and performer for the McDonald School.

As a young girl she joined Jobs Daughters and was chosen to become Honored Queen. This led to her becoming a life-long member of Josephine Hepner Chapter #89 of the Order of the Eastern Star where she was an active member and served as Worthy Matron for two separate terms, as did her mother. She was also elected Grand Representative of Italy in Montana.

Debbie loved ALL animals (except maybe voles). Whether they be furry, feathered, scaley or armored they had a place in her heart. Sloths were a particular favorite. She had a special love for horses and she and her friend Nan spent countless hours riding in the mountains around Helena. She took up the sports of show jumping and equitation and placed in every competition she entered.

Debbie wanted to be of service to people. In 1977, she accepted employment with the fledgling Montana League of Cities and Towns. She continued helping the League grow into the organization it is today. In 2015, she retired from the League after a distinguished 38 year career.

In 1988, she married Don Jones, the love her life. They had 14 years together building up Don's business, Montana Metal Buildings and Crane Service before Don passed away in 2002.

Debbie was vivacious, friendly, always had a smile and was always willing to help. She loved traveling the world with her friends and family. They all remember her song-like "helloooo" when she entered a room, the glint in her eyes when she had a sly comment or joke and, most of all, her laughter.

After several years of heart problems and recent heart surgery, our favorite sister, aunt and friend quietly passed away on November 7, 2022. Her long-time best friend of 50 years, Nan Nail, and her brother were at her bedside.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Don; her parents; her aunt, Betty Ann; and her brother, Barry. She is survived by her uncle, brothers, nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home in Helena, MT, on November 29, 2022, at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to the Lewis and Clark County Humane Society or the Wild About Cats Rescue and Sanctuary, PO Box 7866, Helena, MT, 59604-7866.

Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Debbie.