Ivy Jones Obituary

Ivy Jean Jones, 64, of Victoria, passed away Sunday, August 17, 2025.  She was born on October 7, 1960, to Velma Lee Bell in Bastrop, Texas. Her maternal grandmother, Odessa Hill, and great-grandmother, Willie Lee, lovingly assisted in her home birth.

Ivy was educated in Bastrop County and graduated from Bastrop High School. While in high school, she took training classes that prepared her for job placements in the city. With her grandmother’s support—who signed for her to receive an early driver’s permit—Ivy began working at a young age. She went on to hold positions at Travis State School and at the University of Texas in Austin.

After meeting her lifelong friend and partner, Juanita Smith of Waco, Texas, Ivy co-founded Lucky Lady Cleaning Service. For more than three decades, they faithfully served both business and residential clients until health challenges required them to close their business. Even after retirement, Ivy continued providing cleaning services for individual clients until January 2021.

Ivy was a devoted woman of faith. She first united with Lover’s Leap Baptist Church in Waco, Texas, where her fellowship with the Criner Family led her to join. She cherished her church family and held her pastor, Rev. Kenneth W. Ferrell, in the highest regard. When she later moved to Victoria, Texas, to live with her sister and brother-in-law, Jackie and Isaiah Thomas, she transferred her membership to St. Joseph Baptist Church in Port Lavaca, Texas. Pastor Ferrell sent a letter commending her faithfulness and confirming her as a valued member of his congregation. At St. Joseph, Sis. Ivy Jones quickly became known as the church’s encourager and social connector—remembering birthdays, celebrating milestones, and reaching out to those facing health challenges. She made it her mission to remind others of their importance and of God’s love. Truly, she was a modern-day Barnabas, a source of encouragement to all.

Ivy was preceded in death by her father, Ruben Jones; mother, Velma Lee Bell; grandmother, Odessa Lee Hill; three brothers, Johnnie Lee Piper, Preston Earl Piper, and Edward Lee Piper; and her beloved partner, Juanita Smith.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving sister, Jackie Piper Thomas (Isaiah); sisters-in-law, Lillie Piper (Johnnie), Geneva Piper (Preston), Betty Piper (Edward), and Dahlia Sanchez; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends. Her gentle spirit, compassion, and unwavering encouragement will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Family and Friends will gather for Visitation at Elgin Funeral Home on Saturday, August 30th from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM. A Home-Going Celebration will follow under the auspices of St. Joseph Baptist Church of Port Lavaca at 2:00 PM with Pastor Isaiah Thomas presiding. Interment will follow at Sayers Cemetery.