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Velma Louise Pensoneau
Jones, Mrs. Lee Otis Jones was given her Ponca Name, Me Mah zhee, Rising
Moon. Her mother name Little Bright Moon was Me kah thing gay. They
were granddaughter and daughter of Oo hah zhing gah, Little Cook.
Velma died September 15, 2008, 3:10 p.m. at home. She was peaceful,
surrounded by children and grandchildren and was smiling in her death.
One of her young students read the scripture at her funeral.
Velma
Louise Pensoneau Jones, born January 15, 1913, lived through the
developing days of the area around Ponca City, Oklahoma. As a girl she
worked for Colonel Zack Miller of the huge 101 ranch. While she was
employed there, Lee Otis Jones, (born July 9, 1902 - died October 31,
1986) met her and fell in love with her. Lee and Velma lived a love story
to be written and it would hold its own with any attempt at any
description of range of life and living. They fought a new battle at every
turn, together. They were not to be divided in their unity of purpose and
their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren would all, each in
turn, learn this about them.
For lack of time and space
one can only list the things they stood for and against: 1. Interracial
marriage 2. Pioneering the blending of Christian and Native American
compatibility 3. Children born to them of two races. 4. Overcoming
educational disadvantages due to time and location 5. Fight for equal
housing. 6. Struggle for mental health reforms 7. Step by step battle
through a time without special education for a cerebral palsied
grandchild. S. Economic and financial struggles throughout their life, met
with hard work. 9. Overcoming and meeting the problems associated with
Lee's divorce and first family during a time when divorce was not commonly
practiced in Oklahoma.
Velma is the daughter of
Narcisse Pensoneau who was the grandson of a French trader, Stephen
Pensoneau. Stephen Pensoneau was the son of Pasquelle Pensoneau, a
Frenchman (his Kickapoo wife was called Shikina). Narcisse's grandmother on the maternal side was Mary Kell
Canoles Ross, full blood Cherokee married to a full Yaqui Indian man. Jada
Kahbeah, now deceased, formerly a resident of Hartshorn, Kansas knew of
the French trader, Stephen Pensoneau. Jim Thorp, famous Oklahoma Indian
athlete is descendant of this line. Jim Thorp is a cousin of Narcisse
Pensoneau.
Velma is a granddaughter of
Sam Little Cook, Oo-Hah-Shing gah, chief of a large clan, rain band, still
existing among the Ponca people. She is a beautiful woman, physically and
spiritually, feeling a responsibility toward those around her, family and
tribe.
Children of Lee and
Velma are:
l. Donna Colleen, married
Rodney Lee Flood
2. Dennis Michael Jones
married 1. Connie Daniel 2. Linda Komma
3. Alvin Lee, married
Patricia Sanders.
4. Esther Inez, married
Kenneth Paul Epperson
5. Daniel Clark married 1.
Clara Smith 2. Brenda Chergo
Lee and Velma's
Grandchildren
Donna's children: Rhonda
Louise Flood . 2. Mark Joseph Flood. "Kay" Kharis Flood: Aaron Casey
Hanger Divorce 12/97
Second child asks not to be
listed.
Alvin:1. Warren Curtis
Jones 2. Paul Mark Jones
Esther: 1. Leah Renee
Epperson Bales-divorced Roger Bales 2. Kemy Colleen Epperson Oaks, Mrs.
Gary Oakes
Dan 1. Buck Jones 2. Mekiah, "Meka." Jones |
