Nancy Jones, widow of the late legendary Country music icon George Jones will be in Many on Saturday, Nov. 11, for an autograph party in celebration of her new book, “Playin’ Possum, My Memories of George Jones.” The event will be held at Many City Hall at 965 San Antonio Ave. from 10 a.m. until noon. There is no admission charge, and everyone is invited to attend.
The book will be on sale at the event, and Ms. Jones will autograph, pose for pictures and visit with attendees.
With deep roots in northwest central Louisiana, Jones looks forward to returning to the area to reconnect and make new memories with old friends, family and former co-workers.
She is the daughter of Clyde and Evie Ford and was the last of seven children. On March 3, 1966, at the age of 16, she married Manuel Sepulvado. They had two daughters, Adine and Sherry. She later moved to Shreveport and worked on the assembly line of Western Electric, which employed 7,000 at one time.
In November 1981, Nancy was invited by friend Linda Morris to go to Rochester, NY for a George Jones concert. Linda was dating a member of Jones’ road crew at the time. Nancy did not know who George Jones was but was talked into going. She was introduced to the singer, and they immediately connected. They were married on March 4, 1983.
The book reveals the true perspectives and little known poignant as well as humorous stories about the Country music legend. The book talks about his battles against the demons that sought to control and ultimately destroy him.
Millions of people knew and loved the name of the singer, but few people know that behind the man and his golden voice was a strong, feisty woman who not only saved his life from cocaine addiction, alcoholism and other abusive and self-destructive behaviors, but also was instrumental in saving his soul.
Married for more than 30 years, Nancy knew George better than anyone else on earth - the good George and the bad George - the horrendous and the hilarious. With the unrelenting help and encouragement of Nancy, he quit his wild and wicked ways, for a while. She soon learned, however, that the demons held a strong grip on the man she loved, and they were not about to release him without a fight. But Nancy was a tenacious fighter, and most people who knew George credit Nancy with saving his life and rebuilding his career.
Nancy knew there was a good-hearted man inside George, and she felt strongly that God had given her the assignment to help her husband, even if he hurt her. She refused to give up on Jones. It was Nancy who stood by George for more than 30 years and helped bring him to the Light. Together, they brought joy and light to millions of people. He died April 26, 2013, at the age of 81.
Nancy hopes that many of her friends from Sabine, Mansfield and DeSoto Parishes will attend the autograph party in Many. A live radio broadcast of the event will run from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on BDC radio- affiliated stations KWLV 107.1 and KTEZ 99.9. Refreshments will be served, and everyone is invited to attend.
Those who wish to do so are also invited to bring a veteran photo to display on the special Veterans Day Table of Honor during the event, which falls on the holiday.
Book sales will be cash or card.