Letreva June Jones

In loving memory of James Allen and Letreva June (Henson) Jones

Having lost these two wonderful people so close together it’s only fitting to celebrate their lives together.  Mr. Jones passed at the age of 85 on May 5^th, 2022.  Mrs. Jones passed away at the age of 81 on December 2^nd, 2022.  They cared for each other through many health battles right up to their deaths. 

James was born October 8^th, 1936, as the second child of Allen Franklin Jones and Addie Carol Harris in Lone Oak, Tx.  Letreva was born on June 23^rd, 1941, as the second child of Willie Truman Henson and Fronia Wyenema Henson of Winnsboro, Texas. 

As a true gentleman would request Letreva’s story first:

As a small child, Treva as she was referred to by friends was seen in a cast and on crutches for many years of her life after overcoming a form of bone cancer at the age of 4.  It was said she could run faster on crutches than the boy’s playing baseball.  She overcame the shortening of one leg from this and refused to wear the built-up shoe the doctors supplied her so that she could run and play like other children.  She rode a tricycle around to literally teach her leg how to bend again after being cast for so many years.  Many later in life never knew that she literally walked on tip toe on one leg for all her years afterwards.

In 1960 she married Jon Arlin Barrett whom she had two children with, Jay Alan Barrett and Nela Kay Barrett.  She developed an upholstery business which she ran until 1974 when injuries to her hand stopped her from continuing this.  She divorced and cared for her two children while going back to school earning a bachelor’s degree with honors in 1979, the only one of the Henson family to do so. 

She worked for Terrell State Hospital as the Procurement Manager for some 20 years.  She worked with and cared for her staff of mentally impaired citizens whom she liked to refer to as her children until she was forced into early retirement due to state cutbacks. 

While working she was introduced by a mutual friend to James, a local rancher and long-standing employee of E-Systems.  They were later married June of 1985. 

And now for James:

James was first married to Ellen Marie Ray whom he had son Kenneth Allen Jones and daughter, Jamie Rae Jones with before they divorced in 1976. 

James was a true Cowboy all his life.  He retired from E-Systems after 42 years of service including work on Airforce One as a service point for the President and Vice President’s planes.

James worked as a volunteer many times over the years with the Park Street parade of lights.  He hauled the Red Hat Ladies in Christmas parades with lights from harnesses to his cowboy hat delighting all.  He broke many horses to ride and to work wagons and equipment.  He was in his early 70s when he was still riding a bucking horse who still couldn’t throw him off. 

James and Letreva spent many years building a caring dog breeding business known as Blue Ribbon Farms where she and James gave life to many beloved pets enjoyed and loved around the globe.  She was famous for many breeds with the quality and care given by no other. 

Mr. Jones was preceded in death by his son Kenneth and his sister Fran.  Mrs. Jones was preceded in death by James.  James is survived by his daughter Jamie, his daughter-in-law Gloria as well as several grandchildren.  Mrs. Jones is survived by her older brother George Travis Henson and both of her children and their families.

A celebration of life for James and Letreva Jones having passed so close together will be held on Saturday, February 18th at 11:00 AM at the Wilson – Orwosky Funeral Home located at 803 N. Texas St. in Emory, Tx.  All are invited to attend and help us to remember these special people.