Elvira Estrello Jones

Elvira Estrello Jones, a beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025, in Nederland, Texas, at the age of 89. She was born on August 15, 1935, in Port Arthur, Texas, to the esteemed Antonio and Maria Estrello. She was a beloved figure in her community and will be fondly remembered for her warmth, dedication, and talents.

Elvira graduated as an honor student from Bishop Byrne High School in 1954, St. Mary's Section and was involved in many activities. Elvira studied piano as a young girl, performing in concerts, festivals, and recitals. She continued to play through the years and gave private lessons. She was a member of the Glee Club, having several parts in musicals and operettas. She served as Head Drum Sergeant and President of the Colleen's Drum and Bugle Corp. and played the snare drum.

Beyond her musical endeavors, she was Exchange Editor of the school newspaper, "The Herald", a member of Quill and Scroll, named outstanding member of the Senior Class, a member of PIMU, member of National Musical Society, reporter and member of Azucena Grove of the Woodmen of the World. Elvira was also a Cavoilcade Princess, a Miss Shamrock Princess, and Princess of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.

Elvira studied dance from a young age through her adult years with Florence Coleman, serving as an assistant teacher. After graduation, she continued her studies in dance in New York. After returning home, she furthered her education by obtaining a Business Degree from Lamar Business College, preparing her for a lifelong journey full of accomplishments and dedication in her professional life. After college, she opened her first dance studio, Estrello School of Dance, in Port Acres and also had night classes in Sabine Pass. Also, during this time, she started working for Port Drum Company as a Bookkeeper. This is where she would meet her future husband, Dempsey. They got engaged and married in June of 1958. They were married until Dempsey's death in January 1998. They were a devoted couple for over 40 years.

While married, she opened her next studio in Nederland and taught there for over 60 years. She was awarded and recognized for her 50 year membership of Dance Masters of America and South Texas Association of Dance Teachers.

Elvira found many hobbies she enjoyed in her spare time, including embroidering and sewing, volleyball, Bingo, and going to the Casino. She joined a bowling league in the early 70's and then had her own league which she enjoyed for over 35 years. Vacations with her family were very dear to her and included yearly summer vacations traveling to several states and visiting relatives. Many camping trips to Dam-B were also enjoyed by beautiful family and friends. Dempsey taught her to ride motorcycles during this time and they enjoyed many road trips with their daughters.

Her Faith was also a large part of her life and was a dedicated parishioner of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. In later years she would attend Our Lady of Guadalupe Church where she played the organ and sang for masses.

In her personal life, Elvira was a devoted wife to Dempsey and loving mother to her three daughters: Genina, Samantha and Tara. She was a proud and loving grandmother, savoring the company of her grandchildren: Michael Taylor, Iron Taylor, Jenna Young, Kendra Broussard, and Marisa Belaire. Her heart truly blossomed with the arrival of her great-grandchild, Gauge Taylor, who brought her immense joy and love.

Elvira was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lucian Dempsey Jones, whose memory she carried with her throughout her life. Her parents, Antonio and Maria Estrello, Brother, Joseph Estrello Jr. & Sister-In-Law, Aurora, Nephew, Jose Antonio Estrello III, and her beloved Mother-In-Law, Mabel Jones. She is also survived by her cherished family members, Daughters Genina Broussard, Samantha Wilson and husband Todd, Tara Foust and husband Darren and Son-In-Law Wade Broussard. Also her nieces, Stephanie Quintela and Tiffani Estrello, and her nephew, Robert Estrello, and a host of many nieces, nephews and cousins whom she loved. The legacy of love and unity she fostered will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A visitation to honor her life will take place on July 18, 2025, at 12:00 PM, followed by a Rosary at 1:00 PM, both at Melancon Levingston Funeral Home, 1605 Avenue H, Nederland, Texas 77627. A Mass celebrating her remarkable life will follow at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 211 Hardy Avenue, Nederland, TX 77627, starting at 2:00 PM.

Elvira Estrello Jones leaves behind a rich legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering strength. She will be profoundly missed but forever cherished in the hearts of her family and friends. Her enduring spirit and gentle soul have touched many lives, reminding us all to hold our loved ones dear.

She will be dearly missed by her close friends, Cathy Gear, Frank and Mary Figueroa, and Earline Soileau.  She will be remembered and greatly missed by her grand fur babies: Jeaux Jeaux, Blaze, Lucky, and Thirteen.