Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Maxine Jones
May 7th, 1924 - Sep 17th, 2021Alice Maxine (Briscoe) Jones, age 97, of Flora, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 17, 2021. She was born on May 7, 1924, in Flora, the only daughter of Charles and Brooksy Briscoe. She was a proud graduate of Flora High School and was united in marriage to Cecil Edward Jones on May 19, 1947, at the First Christian Church of Flora. They celebrated 53 wedding anniversaries together until his passing in 2000.
Maxine’s life centered around her family, friends and anyone she could help. She was a loving wife, proud mother, doting grandmother, loyal friend, hard worker and devout Christian. While raising her three daughters, Maxine was a beautician then worked at Sparton Manufacturing in Flora. She and her husband, Cec, enjoyed going to their beloved Flora Wolves football and basketball games. On Saturday mornings, they could be found in a booth at Grandma’s Kitchen—a tradition she continued for two more decades with her daughter, niece and countless friends. As a grandmother, “MaMaw” went to many Flora ballgames, cheerleading competitions, tumbling meets, track meets and band contests. She also loved cheering for the St. Louis Cardinals and Illinois Fighting Illini.
Maxine worshipped at the First Christian Church of Flora and volunteered with the Clay County Hospital Auxiliary. She loved people and she showed that through writing letters, talking on the phone and reminiscing about the “good old days” on the south end of Flora. She enjoyed coffee in the morning, hot tea in the afternoon and a peppermint in between.
She is survived by three daughters: JoAnne Corry (Grady) of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas; Jennifer Hettiger (Frank) of Flora; and Jacque Durr (Harry) of Vandalia; four grandchildren: Nicolas Corry (Whitney) of Little Rock, Arkansas; Jessica Reeder (Chester) of Effingham; Laura Hettiger (fiancé Mark) of St. Louis; and Ashley Brooks (Matthew) of Louisville; and five great-grandchildren: Will, Mary Alice, Kristen, Kate and Cecilia.
Maxine was preceded in death by her husband, parents and brothers: James (Dode) Briscoe, Charles (Wheezer) Briscoe, Rex Briscoe and Bob (Satch) Briscoe; four sisters-in-law; a great-grandson; and many lifelong friends.
A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 22, 2021, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Loren Holloway officiating. Interment will follow in Floral Garden of Memories Cemetery. Visitation will be at 9:30 a.m. until time of service on Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to the Flora Academic Foundation and will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a memory or condolence, visit: www.frankandbright.com.