Carolyn Jones O'Connell, the daughter of legendary USC football coach Howard Jones, died Jan. 24 in Fontana, Calif. She was 83.
She grew up in the Los Angeles suburb of Toluca Lake, in a neighborhood that included the families of Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Walt Disney and other Hollywood celebrities.O'Connell learned to play classical piano at the age of five and continued to play throughout her life, including most recently at church, civic and senior citizen functions. After college and getting married, she worked as a singer in nightclubs and performing arts venues before devoting her time to raising her children.
She is survived by a son, Daniel O'Connell, and three daughters, Marie Bryant, Danielle McKeon and Bernadette Vargas, as well as nine grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband of 40 years, Charles O'Connell.
Her father led USC's "Thundering Herd" football teams to four national championships, eight conference titles and five Rose Bowl victories during his 16-year tenure (1925-40). He died in 1941. He is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and the USC Athletic Hall of Fame.
Young Carolyn with her father Howard Jones.
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