EZRA JONES TRIBUTE
Our Most Beloved EZRA, Everyone's Friend!
Ezra Jones Testimonials
George Ezra Jones, Nov 3, 1885 ---> May 17, 1956
He went to work for the THS in 1947 ... was 62 then ..... and worked for the school until he died in 1956 (9yr).
My memories of Ezra are so pleasant....as he was always there to help in anyway that he could. He was a gently giant and was dearly loved by all of the community. His firm and gentle way of correcting misbehavior, his ready smile and kind words of encouragement, and the shine left behind of his work. As a result the floors, shelves, desks, yard etc. were in top condition.
The story of the beautiful ivy that he cared for in the library is legendary.... he was so proud of it and who???? is a name or names were never told.... at least to most of us. Rumor has it that one person was told and he promised never to reveal the culprit/s We were all sick to see the dying ivy and could not understand why, till it was revealed that it had deliberately been cut.
He seemed like the loving grandfather/uncle to so many and of course we took him for granted. Ruth and I decided in the summer of '55 when we started the work on the 56 annual that we wanted to have the first color photo and had that work done in the summer...and that Ezra would be the one to whom we would dedicate the annual. It was a wonderful secret at least to us and later to the annual staff. We had great plans of how we would make the presentation but sadly that did not happen. The annual came in either the day he died or the day after, so he never knew how much we loved and appreciated him. We did place a copy in his casket, I remember all the tears during his funeral service, and how the choir was ever able to sing was and is beyond me. He gave his life to taking good care of us and took his life, so that he would not be a burden. What an unselfish man!!!
Ruth(ie) I am sure you can add even more.
Love …… Carol Swinburn Adcock 6/26/2010
Carol,
I think you said the important things about Ezra. He seemed to be a kindly grandfather to all of us students--fussing at us when we were careless with trash or left something in our lockers and had to be let in after the school building was closed. He fussed, but he acted as though he cared about us, too, and I think he did. He showed us that a person can take pride in his work no matter what that work was. He truly exemplified "service," which was the theme of our annual that year, and Carol and I were devastated that he didn't live to see the dedication, which honored him.
Love …….. Ruth Massey Stiles 6/26/2010
Ezra Jones was the very beloved caretaker at Tulia High, whom we referred to as "Uncle Ezra." It has been over fifty years but many of the factors remain clear. He stood in the halls, greeted us, and seemed quite happy. However, as is true of most, there are things in life that make us aware that we need to depend on someone greater than we are.
As I remember, Ezra had a lung disorder, perhaps terminal. He once was married and had children but was estranged from them. He owned a rent house or two across Dallas Street opposite the school, which I heard was bequeathed to the school.
He lived in the rear of the old Ag building. On a Saturday morning In the spring of (1956-I believe) I came to the Ag building to meet Mr. Mansfield, the Ag teacher, who was taking me to a FFA District public speaking contest. The door at the back of the classroom was open through which one could enter into his apartment, although the apartment also had an outside entrance. The light in his apartment was on and I could see Ezra sitting upright but slumped in an overstuffed chair. I thought he was asleep. As I waited for other FFA members to arrive I finally investigated. He was a very frugal man and had covered the chair with cheesecloth to prevent stains. He was in pajamas. A .22 caliber rifle was on the floor. I went to find assistance and while I was gone others arrived to find him as well.
His funeral was held at the First Baptist Church in Tulia.
Sincerely,
Ted Carruth 6/27/2010