Claire Jones

Claire Jones was called to eternal life on Thursday, July 29th at the age of 86. She will be remembered by friends and family for her outgoing personality, positive attitude and giving soul. Claire loved life. She remains with us forever in our hearts and souls.

Claire was born in the Town of Richmond, Michigan on October 7, 1938. As the youngest of 12 siblings, her upbringing on the family farm helped shape life-long family bonds with her parents, siblings, nieces and nephews. She carried forward the lessons of hard work, to be creative with less and the rewards of giving to others. She was very outgoing, confident with the gift to strike up a conversation with anyone. She was elected Richmond High School Homecoming Queen and maintained her school friendships her entire life.

Upon graduation from high school, Claire found employment with a millinery manufacturer based in Detroit. As her career advanced, she transferred to Milwaukee leaving her family roots to assist large retailers with marketing and promotion of millinery items. Later she would become a junior buyer of Ladies Millinery for Gimbles. Claire had an eye for beauty and was always keeping up with trends in fashion, home design and furnishings. She loved simple and elegant.

In a small Milwaukee diner, an arranged blind date with a young, single State Civil Engineer would
change her life forever. She would later go on to marry Jack Jones, her husband of 60 years. Over this time, Claire and Jack were blessed with three children and seven grandchildren. In the late 1970’s, Claire re-entered the workforce as a retail sales associate in Woman’s Fine Apparel for Gimbles until it’s closing. She would go on to work other customer facing retail opportunities. In the 1980’s she started her own business retailing antiques, fine china, glassware and collectable home furnishings. Claire took great pride in the appearance of her home and outdoor landscapes. She was a gracious and welcoming host of many family and holiday events.

Claire is survived by her children Timothy (LaTanya) Jones, Jillane (Scott) Buck and Thomas (Rachel) Jones and grandchildren Matthew Jones, Emily (Jesse) Frozene, Grace Jones, Caley Buck, Colton Buck, Lucy Jones, Peter Jones, Rai’ Luv Williams, Rai’ Yana Williams and great grandchildren Nkei Johnson, Ahizlyn Smith, Jailyanee Scates. In addition, she is survived by many nieces, nephews and friends in Wisconsin and Michigan including special friends Nancy Jacobson and Sally Maccoux.

She is preceded in death by her parents Paul and Angela Matusik, siblings John, Ed, Frank, Hattie, Sophie, Mary, Ernie, Walter, Dorothy, Theresa and Francis.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Sandra and Charlene Lee for their love, compassion and devoted care over the past 15 months. Additionally, Pastor Tom Griffey for officiating faith services and care.

Visitation to be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Krause Funeral Home, 9000 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53222, from 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM. Funeral Service to immediately follow. Interment Wisconsin Memorial Park Cemetery.

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