Eileen (Cunningham) Jones

Eileen Cunningham Jones, 80, passed away on Thursday, October 17, 2024. Graveside services will be 2:30 PM Saturday, November 9th at Memorial Park Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband and son.

Eileen was born June 17, 1944 in Sayre, Oklahoma to Raymond and Ellen Cunningham, and grew up one of four children. As a young girl, she faced an early health challenge when she contracted polio at the age of five, spending the next year of her life in the hospital and on an iron lung. Despite doctors' bleak predictions, Eileen’s tenacious spirit triumphed. Although she faced physical obstacles, she never allowed them to define her.  At the age of six, she was chosen as the 1951 Poster Child for the March of Dimes yearly fund-raising campaign, raising money to fight polio. Her story of courage inspired all who knew her. She graduated from Palo Duro High School in 1962. During her senior year the school established the Eileen Cunningham Award, honoring select students for persevering through adversity.

Eileen married her husband, Gene Jones, on November 28, 1964 in Amarillo. Together, they enjoyed 55 years of marriage until Gene’s passing in 2020. They raised a son, Scott Jones, who was their pride and joy. As a couple, Eileen and Gene faced many challenges, including Gene’s vision impairment and Eileen’s battle with post-polio syndrome. Despite these hurdles, they successfully owned and operated Gene Jones Moving & Storage in Amarillo, Temple, and Austin. Their partnership was a model of love, strength, and determination. They spent over 30 years in Austin before returning to Amarillo for their retirement in 2015.

A woman of deep faith, Eileen gave her heart to the Lord at a young age, and her unwavering belief sustained her through life’s trials, including the profound grief of losing her only child, Scott, in 2018. Through every hardship, Eileen radiated grace and positivity, never complaining and always choosing gratitude.

Eileen was also known for her love of animals. She had been blessed with the companionship of two very special guide dogs of Gene’s, Raylene and Lilly, who were trusted companions to the couple over the years. Her best friend, Missy also brought her joy and comfort in her later years.

Eileen’s life was a shining example of courage, faith, and an enduring love for her family. Her legacy of strength and positivity will continue to inspire all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Ellen Cunningham; her husband, Gene Jones; her son, Scott Jones; two brothers, Roger Cunningham and Bobby Cunningham; and her nephew, Jason Grant.

Survivors include her sister, Dianne Grant of Amarillo; her sister-in-law, Penny Cunningham of Amarillo; two nieces, Stacy Grant and Sheri Marshall both of Amarillo; two nephews, Greg Grant of Dallas, and Dwayne Cunningham of Amarillo; and her beloved pet and companion, Missy.

The family suggests memorial donations may be made to Amarillo Panhandle Human Society, PO Box 30102, Amarillo, TX 79120 or at www.amarillo-panhandle-hs.org/.