Attention: You are using an outdated browser, device or you do not have the latest version of JavaScript downloaded and so this website may not work as expected. Please download the latest software or switch device to avoid further issues.

NEWS > Alumnae News > Shirley Jones (Best) 1936 - 2021

Shirley Jones (Best) 1936 - 2021

Shirley Jones, Class of 1954, who passed away last year aged 85, was a Hampton girl, writes LEH friend Lindy Chris. She became a Holles girl in1942 joining the Preparatory classes in the Iron Room.

She stayed in Hampton when the buzz bombs came over and Burlington House was closed. She was artistic, liked sewing and embroidery and got Greek As from Miss Denney for her history pictures. She met Colin Jones at the Hampton Baths and got into trouble with Miss Scott for having his pictures in her desk.

When she left LEHS she spent a year at the now defunct Cripplegate Secretarial College and got a job at W.H. Smith in the Art Department. While on holiday in Jersey with classmate Faye Maynard she met and fell in love with James Wilson. They were married in Glasgow where, after starting their family, he decided re-train and become a doctor. After working as an anesthesiologist, he was offered a position in a hospital in Richmond, Virginia.

Shirley followed him on the Queen Mary with their two children Claire and Christopher and 12 pieces of luggage. Once settled, she joined the Presbyterian Church, sang in the choir, got her degree and teaching credentials from the small but prestigious Christopher Newport University and taught Middle School English. Shirley and James divorced but they both stayed in Virginia. Claire lives in Virginia and Chris and his two boys Rory and Ewan live in California.

Following another twist of fate, she crossed paths again with her childhood sweetheart Colin Jones. Following the death of his LEHS wife Jan Hollands and being an American Civil War buff Colin decided to visit some of the Civil War sites. Shirley met him at the airport. They were married for 10 years. We remember Shirley - blond, blue-eyed, upbeat, and smiling.

Similar stories

We’re delighted to unveil the reports from last year’s Be Bold Grant recipients who have put their alumnae support funds to good use across a diverse range of interests and causes. More...

There’s an exciting LEH connection with Ridley Scott’s epic Gladiator II, which opens in cinemas this week, as our very … More...

The beauty platform created by techpreneur Chanella Buck, Class of 2007, two years ago continues to go from strength to … More...

Rowena Cole, who is currently in her second year as Head Mistress of LEH, has unveiled a new strategy, which sets out he… More...

Architectural Assistant Phoebe Lawrie, Class of 2018, is speaking at a prestigious event, on 22 October, which celebrate… More...

Most read

Rowena Cole, who is currently in her second year as Head Mistress of LEH, has unveiled a new strategy, which sets out her ambitions for the next five … More...

We’re delighted to unveil the reports from last year’s Be Bold Grant recipients who have put their alumnae support funds to good use across a diverse … More...

Georgie (left) with Sound Assistant Maddy

There’s an exciting LEH connection with Ridley Scott’s epic Gladiator II, which opens in cinemas this week, as our very own Georgie Turner, Class of 2… More...

Travel Story Award

 

CONTACT US


Lady Eleanor Holles School
Hanworth Road
Hampton, TW13 3HF

0208 979 1601
alumnae@lehs.org.uk

LEGAL

This website is powered by
ToucanTech