Gloria Jean (Tiger) Jones, 82, was born on August 13, 1943, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Gloria, the eldest of five sisters, faced hardship early in life when she and her younger sisters were orphaned at the age of 11. The girls were lovingly raised by their maternal grandmother in Salina, Oklahoma, where Gloria graduated with the Class of 1961. She was offered a full four-year nursing scholarship, which she chose to decline in order to marry the love of her life, Windell D. Jones of Pryor, Oklahoma.

Together, Gloria and Windell built a life centered on faith, family, and perseverance. In their early years, they opened their home to three of Gloria’s younger sisters, while her youngest sister was adopted by a relative. Sixteen months after their marriage, they welcomed their only child, Rodney Dee Jones.

Once Rodney was older, Gloria pursued her calling in nursing alongside her lifelong best friend, Mary Cagle. She went on to serve faithfully at Mayes County Medical Center for 32 years, working alongside many colleagues who became lifelong friends. Gloria retired when her rheumatoid arthritis began to progress.

In retirement, Gloria and Windell cherished time spent traveling and giving back to their community. Through her love of crocheting, Gloria created and donated thousands of beanies to children throughout Mayes County, many of which were distributed through the local Elks Lodge.

Gloria accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and grew stronger in her faith as the years passed. Her life was a quiet testimony of love, sacrifice, and devotion. Gloria’s legacy and her heart would want her passing to point others to a closer relationship with Jesus Christ.

Gloria is survived by her son, Rodney Dee Jones, and his wife; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. She was preceded in death by her husband, Windell D. Jones, and all four of her sisters.

According to Gloria’s wishes, no formal services will be held at this time.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Vialife, as well as Jennifer Stanglin, Jinxx Mydland, Jayde Calvert, and Nancy Lawson for the care and compassion shown to Gloria.