Anita Jones

Anita Raye Jones, 79, passed away on Wednesday, April 27, 2022. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, April 30, 2022 at Turnersville Cemetery.

Originally known as Anita Raye Coward was born to Bonnie and Noble Coward on July 1, 1942, in Gatesville, Texas. She spent her early years in Coryell County where she graduated from Gatesville High School. She was heavily involved in the marching band, serving as Majorette for all four years. A stunning beauty with sparkling blue eyes, Anita was once voted Miss Coryell County.

Soon after graduation, Anita married Billy Streater of Hamilton, Texas and together they had two children, Zane, and Sonja. After spending time in Texas, Nebraska and Colorado, the family finally settled down on a ranch in Star, Texas. Billy was an aspiring model and actor and this pursuit kept him away from home for prolonged periods of time, leaving Anita to raise the kids and run the cattle on her own. 

Years after she and Billy split up, Anita married Doug Jones of Colorado. Doug shared his love of horses and the Rocky Mountains with Anita, and she spoke with tremendous fondness of her time with him. Anita lost Doug to cancer, but she always maintained that he was her one true love.

Anita’s last marriage was to Art Cope and those years were packed with travel and growth. Anita’s home was filled with amazing art she acquired from her many trips to Africa. It was also during this time that she was finally able to pursue her passion for painting. Anita loved capturing the beauty of Central Texas and her work still brings joy to those she shared it with. They had a small ranch in Teague, Texas, where they managed a herd of Beefmaster cattle.

Although Anita lived in many of the world’s most beautiful places, Texas was always her home. An official Daughter of The Republic of Texas, Anita was extremely proud of her deep Texas roots.

Throughout her life, Anita was lucky enough to have several devoted friends. Together, these bold, no-nonsense, confident women loved to share adventures, good bottles of wine and deep belly laughs. Martha Ann, Barbara, and Sheryll, thank you for making Anita’s heart sing. She was always grateful for your lasting friendship. 

Anita spent her last couple of years at Focus Care nursing home in Hamilton, where she made many new friends and loved participating in all the events. She genuinely loved being the life of the party. Her latest adventure had Anita and a giant Easter Bunny leading the Easter Parade in a convertible just a couple of weeks ago.

Anita is survived by her loving mother, Bonnie Watson, her dear sister, Coleta Morris, and her younger brother Jimmy Coward; all of McGregor Texas. Anita also leaves behind her daughter, Sonja Nickell, of Durango, Colorado, her son, Zane Streater, of Hamilton, Texas, Sonja’s husband, Ramsey, and their son, Streater, Zane’s wife, Mashara, her daughter, Olivia and Olivia’s daughter, Isabella. 

Anita’s contagious laugh and bright presence will be dearly missed.

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