Born and raised in Lincoln, Mary graduated from Southeast High School and attended William Woods University in Fulton, MO, before transferring to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she received an English degree. She then earned certification from the Institute for Paralegal Training in Philadelphia, PA, before attending the University of Nebraska College of Law and graduating with a law degree in 1990. Mary worked for several law firms in Lincoln and Omaha, including a clerkship with the Honorable Judge Richard Kopf.
Mary also worked for the Nebraska Racing Commission at Fonner Park racetrack in Grand Island.
As a lawyer, Mary represented clients in juvenile court and did her best to try to ensure their well-being in a challenging system. Toward the end of her career, Mary and her business partner and dear friend Sandy Thompson offered batterer intervention classes to the community and to people on parole.
On Sept. 2, 2001, Mary married Gary Jones, who later died of cancer.
Mary was a member of the Nebraska Bar Association, where she served on the Nebraska Bar Commission from 2009-2021 (chaired the commission from 2019-2021) and the House of Delegates, the NBA’s policy-making and governing body.
She also had a sharp wit and loved discussing politics and other subjects. Mary was well-read and belonged to Tuesday Review, a group of women who met to discuss various topics. She was also a member of PEO Chapter DX, a book club, and First Plymouth Congregational Church. She was also a founding member of Driveway Cocktails, a monthly gathering of relatives and friends that originated at her parents’ home.
Besides reading and discussing politics, Mary enjoyed watching NET’s coverage of the Nebraska Legislature, often comparing it to a soap opera as she kept up with senators and state government. She was also fascinated with words and liked to utilize them in conversations and letters that were witty, humorous, and educational.
Another of Mary’s loves was gardening. As a master gardener, she spent many happy hours tending to her flowers and plants. She hosted a yearly perennial party where guests could collect her perennials and give away their own plants. Mary also enjoyed trips to the family cabin and her parents’ condo in Estes Park, CO.
Mary was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Jim and Marge Hewitt; spouse, Gary Jones; brother, Will Hewitt; and her cherished cats, Chet and Mondo.
She is survived by her brother, John (Elizabeth Hansen) of Omaha; her sister, Martha (Chris) Hewitt Livingston of Lincoln; six nephews; four cousins; and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Nebraska Public Media and the Lincoln City Libraries Foundation.
At Mary’s wish, an ice cream social celebration of life will be Friday, October 23, at 2 p.m. in Pilgrim Hall at First Plymouth Church in Lincoln.