Berneice Humphreys Jones, loving wife, mother, sister, friend and master teacher passed away on April 17, 2011, at the Life Care Center of Idaho Falls at age 103. The oldest of nine children, Berneice was born near Parker, Idaho, to Willis Ray and Ethel Clair Miller Humphreys on January 25, 1908, and grew up in that community. She helped much at home and on the farm, and was also an excellent student, deciding early that she wanted to be a teacher. She won spelling and oration contests and was valedictorian of her 8th grade, high school, and Ricks College classes. She later obtained her bachelor's degree in elementary education at Idaho State University. She taught in Lewisville, Menan, Lava Hot Springs, Idaho Falls, Boise, and Pocatello schools and was given many honors for her outstanding teaching ability, being nominated for Idaho Teacher of the Year while in Boise. While teaching in Lewisville, Berneice met Alton B. Jones, who was principal of the school in the neighboring community of Menan. They married June 5, 1930, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. While they were in Moscow, Idaho, while Alton finished his bachelor's degree and also began his master's degree, their daughter Lona Clair was born. Their son, Bradford Alton was born three years later while Alton was principal of St. Anthony High School. Berneice returned to teaching when they moved to Lava Hot Springs in 1942, and after that time taught third grade almost exclusively. In early 1947, Alton began his twelve years of service as State Superintendent of Schools, and the family moved from Idaho Falls to Boise. Berneice taught eleven years at Whitney School, making many special friends among the students, faculty, at church and in the community. She gave much help before and after school to struggling students. She was very creative in her teaching methods. After each unit of study, the students would write songs and poetry about what they learned and presented special programs for their parents. Her mother taught Berneice to play the organ and piano when young, and she accompanied church and school groups and soloists from her early teens. She also played the music for the community's silent movies. Music, teaching and poetry were Berneice's great passions! She wrote poetry throughout her life, many poems expressing her love for teachers, friends and family as they moved, retired, or celebrated special occasions. She wrote "Parker Memories" for their school reunion of 1981, and she wrote poetry describing her experiences on several special trips abroad. She directed and provided music for many school plays and programs. At church, Berneice also taught youth and children, played the piano, and particularly enjoyed teaching children's music! Berneice and Alton were able to experience a number of special events and Chief State School Officers conventions during his term of office. They and their children particularly enjoyed the Michigan convention and enroute also visiting Washington D.C., New York, and the Chicago Republican National Convention where Dwight D. Eisenhower was nominated for President. In August, of 1959, Berneice moved to Pocatello to begin the school year teaching at Greenacres Elementary. Alton followed at the end of his term in January to become Registrar at Idaho State University. Berneice belonged to Delta Kappa Gamma, the teacher's honorary society, and trained many student teachers both in Boise and Pocatello. In 1962, the Greenacres P.T. A. organization surprised and honored Berneice with a "This Is Your Life" program where she was described by former students, educators and friends as a Master Teacher! She taught for "thirty-six happy, rewarding years." In retirement, Berneice and Alton enjoyed golfing, gardening, and three special trips together to Hawaii, Europe, and New England and Eastern Canada. After Alton's death in 1979, Berneice enjoyed trips with her sisters, daughter, and friends to the Caribbean, Alaska, Israel, Europe, Mexico, the Panama Canal and Singapore. In 1993, Berneice moved to Idaho Falls to be near her four oldest sisters. She so enjoyed her association with them, as well as much temple and ward service, especially in music callings. In February of 2005, she entered The Gables, an assisted living home in Ammon. In late 2006, she transferred to the Life Care Center where she continued to get very good and loving care until her passing. During her last years, her sister, Cleo, faithfully visited and helped her almost daily. Other family member's help and visits also greatly enriched her life. At the time of her death, Berneice was the oldest living person from Parker who was born and raised there. She lived a very good life, serving others with all her heart and leaving many people much the better for knowing her. She is survived by her two children: Lona Jones Hendricks of Sammamish, Washington, and Bradford Alton Jones of Half Moon Bay, California; 9 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren; 3 sisters: Cleo Wickham of Idaho Falls, Alta Pierson of St. George, and Maurine (Baxter) Tueller of Smithfield, Utah. She was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Alexa Renee Jensen; and in the late 1990's, her sisters: Alice, Otheil (O'Lee), and Lola, and earlier, brothers: Roland Ray and Herman Grant. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 22, 2011, at the Idaho Falls LDS 4th Ward Chapel, 955 Memorial Drive. The family will visit with friends one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in the Parker Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St., Idaho Falls, Idaho. Online condolences may be sent to the family at ww.coltrinmortuary.com