Lena Mae Jarvis 1931-2019

Lena Mae Bruce Jarvis, 87, of Iola, a devoted wife, cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, beloved sister, and aunt, passed peacefully into the Lord’s hands Thursday morning, April 18, 2019, surrounded by her loving family, at Seasons Assisted Living in Navasota.

A gathering of family and friends was held Monday, April 22, 2019, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Lindley-Robertson-Holt Funeral Home. Funeral services took place 10:30 am Tuesday, April 23, 2019, at Martin’s Prairie Missionary Baptist Church, 12540 CR 175 in Keith. Mitchel Beene and Rev. Howard Bruce officiated. Eastern Star Ceremonies were conducted by the Iola-North Zulch Chapter #458 of the Eastern Star. Interment followed in Martin’s Prairie Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers were Eric Sanford, Drew Foxx, Blake Jarvis, Ben Jarvis, Scott Dooley and Seth Dooley. Named as honorary pallbearers are James Ellis and Cody Evans.

The oldest daughter of Melvin and Edna Marie Allen Bruce, she was born on December 14, 1931 in the Grimes Switch Community near Iola. Lena was raised in Iola with her brother and three sisters where she attended school and was the valedictorian of her senior class at Iola High School. As a widowed woman at the age of 31, she gracefully raised her son and three daughters. She was elected Grimes County Treasurer in 1966 and retired from that position after 20 years of service in 1986. Lena was also a dedicated member of the Eastern Star, Iola North Zulch Chapter # 458. As a strong Christian woman, she devoted herself to the Lord and was an active member of Martin’s Prairie Baptist Church for over 60 years. Lena was the matriarch of the family. She loved spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Lena was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Edna Bruce, husband Van Jackson Jarvis, daughter Barbara Dooley, brother George Bruce, sisters Evelyn Roberts and Ruth Whitmire and lifelong friend W.H. Lavender.

Left to cherish her memories are her son, Kenneth Jarvis and wife Grace of Anderson; daughters Sandy Norman of Midwest City, Oklahoma and Jo Baca of Iola; sister, Cora Lucas of Willis; son-in-law, Ken Dooley of College Station; ten grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, as well as many extended family and friends that adored her.

We would like to extend a special thank you to our family at Seasons Assisted Living for their exceptional care, compassion and warm friendship that were provided to our dear mother. The family would also like to thank Traditions Hospice for their unconditional love and support they have shown.

For those that desire, in lieu of usual remembrances the family has suggested memorials in Lena’s name to Martin’s Prairie Cemetery Association.

You are invited to sign the guestbook and leave condolences for the family at www.lindleyrobertsonholt.com.