Jean E. Jones

Jean E. Jones, age 94, slipped quietly and peacefully into the arms of her Lord on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. She always said she would love to be able to just slip away in her sleep, and God granted her wish.

Jean Ellen Korber was born on October 18, 1931, to Alvin and Cleo (Hoffman) Korber in Baileyville, Kansas. Jean lost her father at the age of 13. She graduated from Seneca High School in 1949.

In 1950, Jean married her high school sweetheart, Robert (Paul) Jones. They relocated to Cheyenne, Wyoming, and following Robert’s discharge from the United States Air Force, established their first home in Topeka, Kansas. There, they welcomed their first child, Mike, followed by their second child, Kelli, a few years later. Jean was employed by Blakely Insurance Company in Topeka for several years before joining the Shawnee County District Attorney’s office. She advanced to the role of office manager and became actively involved in the Kansas Association of Legal Secretaries (KALS). Subsequently, she was appointed Shawnee County Jury Coordinator, a position supported by a federal LEAA grant. During this period, Jean campaigned for the office of the Clerk of the District Court, though she was not elected.

Following her extensive tenure in Topeka, serving in various capacities with Shawnee County, she relocated to Kansas City to assume the role of Executive Director for the Odd Fellows/Kansas Eye Bank at the University of Kansas Medical Center. In this position, she developed a statewide initiative in collaboration with the Kansas Highway Patrol, Ft. Riley, and the State Funeral Directors Association to facilitate the donation and retrieval of corneal tissue. Her leadership enabled the efficient transportation of corneal tissue from across Kansas to the University of Kansas Medical Center’s Ophthalmology Department, where it was utilized for transplants. Her efforts resulted in a highly effective program that restored vision and benefited hundreds of individuals.

After retiring from her position in 1996, Jean devoted much of her time to her grandchildren, Mallory and Murphy. She was affectionately known as “Grandma JJ” or simply “JJ” among her friends and acquaintances. Renowned for her ability to connect with others, Jean formed friendships easily and was cherished by many. During Mike and Kelli’s childhood, she served as a “second mom” to their friends, consistently offering support and guidance. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for her kids and their friends. Drawing on her extensive experience in Shawnee County law enforcement, Jean assisted her children and their friends in resolving legal issues.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Doris (Johnson) Korber; and her former husband, Robert (Paul) Jones.

Jean is survived by her two children, Mike (Berni) Jones of Kansas City, Missouri and Kelli Jones of Overland Park, Kansas; her favorite people in the world, her two granddaughters, Mallory Jones and Murphy (Paulie) Scola, and her seven great-grandchildren, Parker, Chandler, Hunter, and little Evelyn, Liliana, Olivia, and Frankie; and her nephew, Wayne (Rayma) Korber of Goddard, Kansas.

Jean was an amazing woman who touched many lives and made a difference to many people. The stories she told and the memories that she leaves behind will forever shape the family that loved and cherished her so dearly.

There will be a memorial/open house at the home of Mike and Berni Jones on Sunday, May 24, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 3708 NE 79th Terrace, Kansas City, Missouri, 64119. Graveside services will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Frieden’s Church Cemetery, 3045 State Hwy 63, Bern, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the University of Kansas Cancer Research Center, sent in care of Mike Jones at the address above. Popkess Mortuary in Sabetha, Kansas, is assisting the family with arrangements.