Sara Lee Slaughter Jones passed away on February 7, 2014 at the age of 92. Sara Lee was born in Miles, Texas on July 26th, 1921 to Calvin and Wilma Slaughter and later moved to San Angelo where she grew up. In high school, she was named “Sweetheart of the Demolays” and was an accomplished tap and ballet dancer. She spent summers as a camp counselor and swimming instructor. In 1941, she graduated from Baylor University with a degree in Physical Education. On October 31st, 1941, Sara married her high school sweetheart, Millard Jones, a flight instructor in the AAF. In 1947-48, they settled in Odessa to build the Cactus Drive-In Theater, the first between El Paso and Abilene. Their adventure would leave a positive impact on the development of this community as they ushered in family entertainment, oven-baked pizza, Easter Sunrise services and Easter egg hunts for the whole city of Odessa. Before his claim to fame, young Roy Orbison worked as the drive-in theater projectionist while pursuing his music career. Sara and Millard Jones were married 10 days shy of 50 years and raised two children, Janet and Hank.
Sara lived life with an abiding faith and was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church. She actively loved her family as a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, affectionately called “Gran Gran,” great grandmother and mother–in-law. She made everyday events seem like special occasions and nothing was better than sharing life with her loved ones. Sara lived an active life and enjoyed golfing, gardening, (especially roses), playing bridge, painting, square-dancing, and was an excellent cook! Her home-made pimento cheese, fried chicken, biscuits and rolls and chocolate pie were favorite requests. Last but not least, Sara was a good neighbor always lending a hand and volunteering for Meals on Wheels until she was 86 years old. The saying, “Nobody doesn’t like Sara Lee!” was true for Sara Lee Jones! Her quick wit, spunky spirit, kind heart, and fun-loving ways made her a joy and a blessing to everyone she knew.
Sara is dearly loved and cherished by her family who have all been richly blessed by her love. She is survived by the following; two children Janet (Jones) Oden and husband Tal of Oklahoma City, OK, and Hank Jones and wife Daniece of Odessa, TX; four grandchildren Ryan Owen and wife Emilee, Austin Owen, Ryan Oden and wife Marlena, and Andrew Oden; one great-grandson Ethan Owen; five great grandchildren by marriage Lucas and Leigha Hagen, Tayly and Cru Hagen, and Ansley Mosher. Sara was preceded by the death of her husband, Millard Jones, and her parents Wilma and Calvin Slaughter.
The family will receive friends for viewing at Frank W. Wilson Funeral Home from 6 pm to 8pm on Monday, February 10, 2014. A Graveside Service will be held Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at 1:30 pm in San Angelo, Texas. A Memorial Service will be held at First United Methodist Church on Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at 10 am with Pastor Terry Tamplen officiating.
The family is deeply grateful for the loving care of our Mom by Olivia Hernandez and the thoughtful care of Interim Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the First United Methodist Church of Odessa, or the charity of your choice. Online condolences and memories can be sent to www.frankwwilson.com.
Services are entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors.
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