The People of Burleson: Jacqueline Jones
Cultivating Community and Cherishing Traditions in Burleson
The People of Burleson is a new concept by Brandon Crisp to interview, get to know, and write articles on the everyday people who call Burleson their home. This is the third in a series of articles about several different residents within Burleson, and if you’d like to be featured, please use the “Message Me” button at the bottom of the page to reach out! Enjoy reading and learning about Jacqueline Jones!
Jacqueline Jones, better known as Jacque to her friends, has a long history in Burleson, blending community involvement with personal passions. She has a deep appreciation for the city’s rich history and traditions. Having lived in Burleson for over three decades, Jacque has witnessed its tremendous evolution while still maintaining the small-town feel that keeps everyone wanting more. Let’s learn about Jacque, her favorite aspects of Burleson, and hear about her hopes for the future and her wisdom for future residents.
Jacque loves her flower gardens. She spends a significant amount of time tending to them, finding peace and satisfaction in caring for and nurturing the plants. She also enjoys crafting, feeling that it provides a good outlet for her creativity and helps keep her mind sharp. Additionally, Jacque is a fervent supporter of the homeless and animals rescued from abusive situations. She dedicates a lot of time and resources to help those in need. Despite her many talents and passions, she enjoys making Christmas cookies, though she admits she’s not very skilled at it. I loved hearing the humor in her Christmas cookie story; it showcases her willingness to embrace activities purely for the joy they bring and adds to her relatability.
Burleson has been home to Jacque for an impressive 37 years. Over these nearly four decades, she has developed a deep connection to the city, with a particular fondness for the historic Old Town. She finds the architecture and history of Old Town captivating and frequently visits the local restaurants in the area. As for her favorite local traditions, Jacque specifically mentions the parades that the city hosts around the 4th of July and Christmas. She appreciates that the city has worked tirelessly to maintain these events over the years, continuing to provide the sense of community and connection that she loves. These parades are not just festive occasions but also wonderful events that bring the community together, build friendships, spread joy, and make people proud to call Burleson home.
Although Jacque likes all of Old Town and several places in the area, she particularly enjoys the variety of local restaurants. She loves that she can explore different cuisines while supporting local businesses. When asked about her favorite place in Burleson, she mentioned that she loves Fresco’s Mexico Restaurant the most. For Jacque, dining experiences in Burleson are more than just meals — they’re another way to engage with the community and support Burleson.
Having lived in Burleson since 1987, Jacque has seen the city change and evolve tremendously. The census in 1990 recorded Burleson with just 16,000 residents, while the estimated population in 2024 is over 53,000! One of the biggest changes Jacque noted during our interview is the significant increase in dining and shopping options. Before, she often had to drive to Fort Worth for these amenities, but now she can conveniently stay in the city. While these changes are positive, Jacque wishes the city would bring back the big tree lighting in Old Town. She has many fond memories of these events, which symbolized the festive spirit and communal joy of the holiday season, and misses the event dearly.
We spoke a lot about the future of Burleson, including what she envisions for the city's future, what she would say to anyone wanting to move here, and her advice to the younger generation. Jacque would love to see a more vibrant and engaging Burleson, expressing a desire for more carnivals and outdoor markets in the city, as they would provide additional opportunities for community engagement and outdoor fun. To newcomers, or potential newcomers, she suggests exploring and enjoying the parks that Burleson has to offer and supporting local restaurants. She emphasizes the kindness of the people in Burleson and encourages everyone, both newcomers and longer-term residents, to get out and meet them!
Lastly, Jacque suggests that the younger generation should slow down a little and enjoy life, urging them to put their phones down and live in the moment. She has often seen younger people not fully appreciating the natural beauty around them or engaging in human interactions, and she believes that these experiences are essential for a fulfilling life.
I asked Jacque, for fun, who the most famous person (or people) she’s ever met, and she recalls meeting the legendary band the Bee Gees! One of her father's friends, who worked security at the Tarrant County Convention Center, helped her meet this amazing band. She remembers it as one of the most exciting moments of her life.
Jacque Jones’ long tenure in Burleson is a testament to the power of community and tradition in contributing to personal fulfillment and the desire to stay in a town for the majority of one's life. During my various opportunities to speak with Jacque, she came across as a deeply caring and thoughtful person. I enjoyed discussing the history of Burleson with her, as she recalls it, and hearing her vision for the city's future. She wants you, the reader, to know that appreciation for life’s simple pleasures is something you should always value.
If you would like to share your experiences and thoughts on the future of Burleson, message me today and you too can be featured in a future article.