Teresa Jones

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Teresa Ann Jones, 75, of Joplin, Missouri, entered into eternal rest on October 1, 2025. She was born on August 12, 1950, in Joplin to her devoted parents, Paul and Francis O’Donnell.

Teresa grew up in Joplin, where she attended Catholic schools until her senior year when she transferred to Joplin High School and graduated in 1968. She went on to complete her education with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, becoming an RN. She dedicated her professional life to caring for others, beginning her career in the Emergency Room at St. John’s Hospital. She later worked with St. John’s Hospice and at Joplin Renal Care, where patients described her as having “kind words, soft smiles, and gentle hands”. Teresa retired from nursing at age 60, but her heart for service never ceased—she continued to volunteer devotedly with Watered Gardens, Meals on Wheels, and served and shared her faith in Jacmel and Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Her final gift to others was to donate her body to science to contribute to medical research.

Teresa’s greatest joy was her family. With her former spouse, Steve Lea, she raised two children, Jessica Lea-Keitz and Jeremy Lea, both of Joplin. On November 26, 1993, she married Stephen Jones, blending their families into one. Teresa welcomed and treated Steve’s children as her own: Bryan Jones (Rebecca) of Joplin, Stephanie Francis (Jason) of Joplin, and Janelle Douglas (Aaron) of Fayetteville, AR. Teresa was a proud grandmother to ten grandchildren—Jacob Patterson (Hailey), Gavin Jones, Olivia Keitz (Julia), Gwenyth Easter
(Bryce), Grant Jones, Byler Reither, Brogan Reither, Shiloh Keitz, Weston Douglas, and Hazel Douglas—and four great-grandchildren, Skylar Patterson, Reid Patterson, Ivy Patterson, and Esther Jones.

Teresa is also survived by her loving sister Sharon Havens; and brothers, Pat (Hope) O’Donnell and Brian O’Donnell, along with numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and cherished friends. She also embraced extended family from Germany, Jörn Siemer and his wife Miriam, along with their children Madeline, Rosa, and Lina.

Family was at the center of Teresa’s life. She was a devoted mother, stepmother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and cousin who never missed the chance to cheer at countless sporting and other life events for her children and grandchildren. Teresa had a spirit for adventure and a deep curiosity about the world. She traveled to Peru, China, Africa, Europe, and many other destinations, embracing each culture and experience with open arms. Teresa and her sisters shared a special bond and embraced life to the fullest every chance they could. With Steve, she hosted warm, laughter-filled gatherings at their home. Their dinner group and family celebrations were marked by love, joy, and togetherness. Teresa enjoyed playing games with everyone, had a beautiful eye for photography, and loved cooking and baking for family get- togethers. Their home was always full of warmth, and they never let a day pass without showing love for one another.

Preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Frances O’Donnell, sister Janice Robertson, and her husband Malcolm.

The family is deeply grateful to Teresa’s caregivers—Odessa Luster, Melinda DePreist, Krystia Clinger, and Deb Blackburn—for their kindness, dedication, and care during her final months.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Joplin, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Watered Gardens of Joplin or the Alzheimer’s Association.