Nancy Jones

With great sadness and profound love, we announce the passing of Nancy Elizabeth Schlegel Jones, who peacefully left this world on October 31, 2024, at home, after a sudden and second bout of cancer, surrounded by her three children, two eldest grandchildren and their significant others. Nancy was born on October 29, 1941, in Austin, Texas - one of the true OG Austinites. She was the eldest of seven children, four sisters and two brothers. From her early life in Hyde Park, she was a compassionate sister and caregiver: resilient, loving, determined, dedicated and a whole lot of mischief and fun.

Nancy attended St. Austin’s Catholic School and then graduated McCallum High School in 1959. She was extremely active in High School as a cheerleader, student leader and National Honor Society. She was voted Friendliest Girl (natch) and was a finalist in the Beauty Revue. She attended the University of Texas as an English major and graduated in 1963. She was active in Angel Flight and was voted 10 Most Beautiful by a Hollywood producer. Nancy worked in special education at Ortega Elementary School after graduation.

She married Phillip Tuttle Jones on April 24, 1965, with whom she shared 18 years of marriage and 3 children - Christina Michelle Jones Underwood, Jane Thespina Jones Bachick and Phillip Tuttle “Tut” Jones II.

In December 1983, Nancy married John “Jack” Oldham Jones Jr. They moved to Blanco, Texas from the North Texas area and were married for 13 years. Nancy lived the rest of her years quite happily single!

Throughout her life, Nancy was dedicated to love and to serving others. She was an active member of St. Austin’s Catholic Parish for many years, where she devoted her time to helping those in need and was a Eucharistic Minister. She was President of St. Vincent de Paul up until the time of her death. Her faith was a source of strength for her, and she was always ready to lend a helping hand or listening ear to anyone in need of support. Nancy’s life was a testament to the power of compassion and kindness, and her impact on her community will be felt for years to come.

After many years as a teacher and raising young children, Nancy became the Executive Director of first the Air Conditioning Contractors Association- Texas and then the Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association- Texas. She served in the Texas Society of Association Executives and was very active in her National Association Chapters as well. Upon her retirement from the Association world, she studied and earned her Texas Real Estate License and joined her son-in-law Michael Underwood to practice residential real estate. Her great network of friends, her friendliness and her attention to detail and hard work helped her to grow her business successfully for many years. She was an exemplary boss, colleague and political activist. She made sure to vote in this election via mail, prior to her passing.

Nancy was a cherished matriarch, daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, MIL, aunt, niece , servant and friend. She grew up in a close-knit family and carried those values with her throughout her life. A person of great strength and grace, Nancy’s life was a testament to God in her love, kindness and generosity. She devoted herself to raising her family and to creating a warm and welcoming home that was a refuge for family, friends, and neighbors alike.

Nancy’s warmth extended beyond her immediate family to her beloved six grandchildren, who adored her deeply. She had a special bond with each of them, sharing her wisdom, humor, and unconditional love. Nancy’s legacy lives on through them, and her values and spirit will continue to inspire future generations.

Nancy had a passion for GOD. She had a passion for people, gardening, hospitality, cooking, reading, traveling and the Hallmark Channel! She loved the holidays, especially Christmas and made every birthday for everyone she knew very special. You would never walk in to Nancy’s home without finding a spread of cheese, hummus, guacamole, chips and wine at the very least!

Those who knew Nancy will remember her as a fun-loving, laughter- sharing, go-getter with a great sense of humor and a never ending energy. She believed in the goodness of people and radiated warmth and kindness wherever she went. Her friendships were treasured, and she made everyone feel seen, valued, and loved.

Nancy is survived by her loving family: Christina Jones Underwood and husband Michael Underwood, Luke Underwood (16) and Beau Underwood (15); Jane Jones Bachick and Xander Bachick (24) and Kyra Bachick (21); Tut Jones and partner Heather McBryar and Sawyer Bear (5) and Aiden Harbers (14). Her sister Donna Haschke and husband GP Haschke, her sister Linda Schlegel Summerlin and sons Jonathan and Zachary, her sisters Beverly Schlegel and Cathy Schlegel Meek and Cathy’s children Max and Kelcy. Nancy’s aunt, and mother Tess Schlegel’s sister, Catherine Campbell is still living. She has multiple nephews, nieces and cousins that she loved and who all remember her dearly and will carry on her legacy.

Her Mother -Tess Schlegel, Father - Sonny Schlegel, Brothers Jim and Stephen Schlegel have passed before her.

We would like to thank her oncologist Dr. Allison Gorrebeeck and the staff at Texas Oncology and St. David’s Parmer Lane. Andrea Spieles, nurse Raven Rogers and all of the nurses and staff at Halcyon Hospice Care were a Godsend in her final weeks.

At St. Austin’s Catholic Parish, Sister Hannah, and Fathers Chuck, Bruce, Paolo, Rene and Jimmy have been such great friends and support to Nancy and to our family for so many years, collectively. She had so many friends at St. Austin’s and we are thankful of the support even now from Josie Barrett, Mary Margaret Salls, Beverly Thiel, Julie Lyons , Ann and Rod Richburg and so many more- you know who you are!

A Funeral Mass presided by Father Chuck Kullman and reception following celebrating Nancy’s amazing life will be held on Saturday, November 9 at 12 noon at St. Austin’s Catholic Parish, 2026 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705. Parking is in the church garage on San Antonio St across from the Otis Hotel. We recommend carpool and ride-share. A Rosary will be said at 11:15 am prior to the Mass.

Donations can be made to St. Austin St. Vincent de Paul Society, 2026 Guadalupe St. Austin, TX 78705 or Venmo @StAustinCatholicParish for SVDP Donations. Also importantly SerenityStar Recovery at 111 NW 1st Street, Smithville, TX 78957. Flowers can be sent to St. Austin’s 2026 Guadalupe St for the mass or the reception.

Nancy will be profoundly missed, yet never forgotten.