Jacqueline Thompson Jones

1939 - 2017

Jacqueline Thompson Jones

1939 - 2017

Jacqueline Jones passed away peacefully at home in Palm Desert, California, on February 13, 2017, with her husband Stephen by her side.

Jackie was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on August 15th 1939; the third daughter of Shirley E. and Marye A. Thompson. She graduated from Northwest Classen High School and attended the University of Oklahoma. In 1959, she married Gerald D. Neff and they welcomed three children into the world, all inheriting Jackie's sense of humor and curiosity for life. Her children would each marry and have children of their own, giving Jackie some of the greatest joy in her life. While married to Jerry, Jackie would discover a talent for tennis, a passion for charitable work through the Junior League of Oklahoma City, and, a love of dogs. Jackie and Jerry divorced after 20 years of marriage, but would maintain a lifelong friendship.

Jackie remarried in 1980 to Stephen Jones, and they would remain devoted to each other for the rest of her life. They shared countless dreams and interests, and a particular passion for travel. This led Jackie to start A Travel Connection travel agency in Oklahoma City, at a time when the airline industry was being deregulated.

Relocating to Palm Desert, California, in 1987, their ambition was to design and build custom homes in the growing Coachella Valley. Jackie joined the Junior League Sustainers of the Desert; eventually becoming Chairman at a time when the Junior League of Palm Springs Desert Communities was being formed. Jackie was very active at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Palm Desert; serving on the Alter Guild and enjoying many friendships.

Having children and grandchildren in both California and Oklahoma, Jackie and Steve spent quality time in both states. Their passion for travel would continue as they enjoyed many national and international trips. Along with her beauty and charm, Jackie will be remembered for her devotion to family, her insightful observations on life, and her trademark dry sense of humor. She will be deeply missed.

Jackie is survived by many loving family members. Including her husband Stephen M Jones, daughter Pamela Fairfield (husband, Leonard), son Gerald D. Neff, Jr., (wife, Suzanne), son William R. Neff (wife, Beth), Grandchildren Nicole Lising (husband, Joseph), Mitchell Neff, Alexandra Neff, Richard Salinas,

Madeline Neff, Harrison Neff, and Great Granddaughter Jacqueline Lising. She was preceded in death by her sisters Carol Ann Roberts of Edmond, Oklahoma and Shirley Kaye Cordero of Bend, Oregon.

The family will be forever grateful for the compassionate care provided by the Desert Hematology Oncology Medical Group on the Eisenhower Medical Center Campus in Rancho Mirage. We especially want to thank Dr. Amy Law for the attention, support, and friendship that she has given our cherished Jacqueline over the past 6 years.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Desert Cancer Foundation.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: desertsun.com/obituaries.