Jo Carol (Alexander) Jones was born at home on October 22, 1937, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to William Lawrence and Vernice Elvinia Alexander.
Living in a multi-generational household, she was doted on by her great-grandfather, who was in his nineties and loved to spoil her. Each month, when he received his “check,” they would walk to town together, where he would buy her a giant peppermint stick and spend most of the rest on Jo Carol—she was truly cherished from the very beginning.
Jo Carol’s mother, Vernice, was deeply devoted to her faith and attended church every Sunday and Wednesday. Through her mother’s example, Jo Carol developed a lifelong love for God and the church. Rain or shine, the two would walk to services, and Vernice’s prayerful influence shaped Jo Carol’s spiritual foundation and her devotion to family and faith.
As a young girl, Jo Carol enjoyed fashion and was blessed to have a favorite aunt, Ida (Alexander) Talley, a professional dressmaker who delighted in sewing beautiful clothes for her. Aunt Ida, who had no daughters of her own, lovingly made most of Jo Carol’s clothing until she married, and continued to surprise her with handmade outfits even after she moved away.
Jo Carol attended local schools in Wichita Falls and began piano lessons at a young age. Her natural talent quickly flourished, and she began playing piano for her church at just 15 years old, using the church hymnal as her guide. Over the years, she would bless many congregations and ministries with her music.
At age 16, while working as a soda jerk at Kress’s 5 & Dime, Jo Carol met the love of her life, Kenneth Jones, who was then in U.S. Air Force flight school at Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls. When her co-workers commented on how handsome he was, Jo Carol smiled and said, “I’m going to marry that man one day!”—and she did.
The couple wed on June 18, 1955, in a small ceremony at her parents’ home before moving to Fort Dix Army Base in New Jersey, where Kenneth was stationed. Their union was blessed with two children: son Kenneth Randall (Randy) Jones, born May 14, 1957 (deceased February 9, 2009), and daughter Kimberley Renee, born August 6, 1959—the dark-haired, brown-eyed girl Jo Carol had prayed for.
Throughout their marriage, Jo Carol and Kenneth shared a life filled with faith, family, and adventure. They lived in several states, including Alaska, Texas, and New Mexico, and were active in church, bowling leagues, and military community life. During Kenneth’s deployment to Vietnam, Jo Carol dedicated herself to raising their children, participating in scouting, sports, and church activities.
In 1974, Kenneth was stationed at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where the family settled for nearly three decades. Jo Carol served faithfully as a church pianist and enjoyed ministering through music. Together, she and Kenneth were active in the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Association and built lifelong friendships through work and ministry.
After retirement, the couple moved to Warsaw, Missouri, to be near their daughter, Renee, her husband, the Rev. Herbert Oliver Robertson, Jr., and their family. They became active members of Abundant Life Christian Center, where Jo Carol continued her ministry in music and fellowship. She also cherished her time as a member and later president of one of Warsaw’s first Red Hat Society chapters, often hosting gatherings in her home.
Jo Carol loved to travel—especially to Branson, Missouri—and she and Kenneth journeyed across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Kenneth delighted in making every trip special for her, ensuring they stopped anywhere she wanted to explore. Dining out together, whether while traveling or at home, was one of their favorite shared joys.
On their 50th wedding anniversary, Jo Carol and Kenneth renewed their vows in a full church ceremony, celebrating the love and devotion that had defined their life together.
Jo Carol is survived by her daughter Kimberley Renee Robertson and husband Rev. Herbert Oliver Robertson, Jr. of Warsaw, Missouri; daughter-in-law Debbie Jones of Albuquerque, New Mexico; five grandchildren Kenneth Paul (Kip) Jones and wife Meredith, Kristen Nicole (Missy) Jones, Herbert O. Robertson III (Robbie), Jonathan Thomas Ross Robertson and wife Anna Maria, and Stephen Alexander Robertson; seven great-grandchildren Evangeline (Eva) Jones, Herbert Oliver Robertson IV, Jovi Aiden Robertson, Devie Renee Jane Robertson, Isaiah Kenneth Glenn Robertson, Daniellah Everly Reign Robertson, and Jeremiah Thomas Casey Robertson.
She is also survived by her siblings: Billy Don Alexander (wife Jackie, deceased) of Whittier, California; Johnny Wayne Alexander and wife Sue of Whittier, California; and Verna Kaye Griffin (husband Rev. Danny Griffin, deceased) of Mansfield, Texas.
Jo Carol’s life was one of faith, love, and devotion to family. She will be remembered for her warmth, music, laughter, and the unwavering love she gave to all who knew her.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Reser Funeral Home in Warsaw. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Interment will take place at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri.
