Kathyrine Reese Jones

Kathyrine Reese Jones, age 100, passed away March 5, 2016, in Grapevine, Texas.

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 9 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in Brenham Memorial Chapel. Funeral Service will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 10, 2016 in First United Methodist Church, Brenham with Pastor Jon Stouffer officiating. Burial will follow in Prairie Lea Cemetery.

She was born in Sempronius, Texas, May 15, 1915, and moved to Brenham in 1922. Kathyrine attended Blinn College (1931-33) and graduated from The University of Texas in 1935. Later Kathyrine completed her Master’s Degree at The University of Houston. She began her teaching career in 1936 and was the music teacher at Brenham Elementary for eighteen years. After retiring from teaching, she entertained at the retirement homes in Brenham by playing the piano and leading singing among the residents. Kathyrine’s love of music is one of her greatest contributions that she instilled in children and rekindled in older adults.

Kathyrine had been a member of The First United Methodist Church of Brenham for 93 years. She was active in United Methodist Women, taught Sunday School, and participated in countless church activities. Kathyrine was a member of the Fortnightly Club, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Brenham Area Retired School Personnel, Heritage Society and the Brenham Heritage Museum. She was an active volunteer for the Girl Scouts and after retirement, a reading mentor in the public schools.

At age of 16, Kathyrine wrote the words and music to “My Rainbow” and gave this song to the Rainbow Grand Assembly of Texas. Today it remains the state song of that organization. She was recently recognized by the Rainbow Grand Assembly of Texas of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls for her contribution to the rich tradition of Texas Rainbow.

Kathyrine was preceded in death by her husband, James A. Jones, four siblings, Erette Red, Martha Sterling, Inez Rymer, Hoffman Reese, son James Reese Jones and granddaughter Julie Ann Jones.

Survivors include daughters Khaki Simank, LeGrand Spradley and husband Larry, daughter-in-law Sally Jones; six grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

Our mother, Kathyrine Jones, has inspired our family and others throughout her life and continues to do so today. She lived life unselfishly, loved people unconditionally and trusted God completely. We loved her very much and will always miss her.

Pallbearers are Jim Spradley, Jared Jones, Blake Wren, Todd Carlton, Charlie Moore and Preston Sanderson.

Memorials may be sent to the Julie Ann Jones Memorial Trust, P. O. Box 382, Brenham, TX 77834, First United Methodist Church of Brenham or the charity of your choice.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX.
979.836.3611 To share condolences visit www.BrenhamMemorialChapel.com