It is with saddened hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, “Grandma Beth”, “Nana”, and sister, Myra Elizabeth “Beth” Bailey Jones, on Saturday, September 27, 2025, after an extended illness.
Beth was born on January 26, 1947, in Paris, Lamar County, Texas, the daughter of Frank Henry Bailey and Marilyn McGuire. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands Clifford Nelson Humphrey (d. 2020) and Jimmie Lee “Jim” Jones (d. 2014), and her grandson Luke Bailey Grider (d. 2016).
Beth is survived by her son, Hatton (Sarah) Humphrey of Wilson, New York; her step-daughters Sheryl Lynn (Bruce) Grider of Conifer, Colorado, and Jill Anne (Jim) Spencer of Tecumseh, Oklahoma; and her cherished partner, Larry Minks of Ardmore, Oklahoma. She was the doting and fun grandmother to Elizabeth Humphrey of Medina, New York; C.J. Humphrey of Wilson, New York; Courtney (Omar) Rangel of Midland, Texas; and Benjamin (Kamryn) Spencer of Guthrie, Oklahoma.
She will be deeply missed by her siblings: Marilyn Adelia “Dedy” Brock of Paris, Texas; Mary Ann (Ron) Davis of Winchester, Virginia; Frank (Fern) Bailey of Dallas, Texas; Barbara J. Springer of Fayetteville, Arkansas; and Claire Marie Bailey of Phoenix, Arizona. Beth also leaves behind ten nieces and nephews, and their extended families, whom she cherished dearly.
Beth attended Our Lady of Victory Elementary School and graduated from Paris High School, Class of 1965. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from East Texas State University, later completing her doctorate. Her career reflected her lifelong commitment to education and service. She led Paris Big Brothers Big Sisters, was honored as a prize-winning teacher in Oklahoma schools, and later served as a program director for the Oklahoma State Board of Regents for Higher Education, where she championed high school graduation rates and expanded access to college education for countless students.
Beth was a devout Catholic and a faithful parishioner of Our Lady of Victory in Paris, Saint William’s in Durant, and most recently St. Mary’s in Ardmore, Oklahoma.
Family and faith were at the center of Beth’s life. She created countless memories as a sister, wife, mother, and grandmother hosting dinners, parties, and family holidays. She loved to travel—whether in an RV across America, on European vacations with her sisters and niece, Julie Del Barto, or during the COVID-19 quarantine of 2020, when she shared quiet days in Sitka, Alaska, with her partner Larry. Her final trip was taking her granddaughter Elizabeth to Vienna to experience an opera, a memory that remains a cherished gift.
When not traveling, Beth could be found gardening, cooking gourmet meals, or volunteering at her church’s thrift store. She never met a stranger, shared her generous spirit freely, and brightened every room she entered. She also delighted in the outdoors, fishing, hunting, gardening and golfing.
Beth lived her life fully and with joy. She will always be remembered for her warm smile, adventurous spirit, and the way she led her loved ones on a merry chase through every season of her life. As she left her earthly home, surrounded by family, her sisters offered their final words: “See you in heaven, sweet sister. Give Momma and Daddy a kiss from us.”
A celebration of Beth’s life will be held on Saturday, October 25, in Paris, Tx. They will begin with a Rosary service at 10am followed by a Funeral Mass at 11am with reception to follow at Our Lady of Victory church. A Celebration of Life service for family and friends will be held at Celebrate It in the evening of the 25th from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. For more information email bethjonescelebration@gmail.com.
