Theatre work doesn't always mean being in front of an audience. While she had some theatrical experience, Gainor Chambless Laing Jones used her talents behind the scenes as a director. A 1960 graduate of Oklahoma College for Woman, Jones earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in speech/drama. She was the first woman to receive a Masters of Theatre at California State University, Fullerton, in 1968. Jones was part of a family tradition. Her mother, Mildred Matthews Chambless, and three sisters are all also graduates of the university. Her professional life has included serving as an English, speech, and drama teacher; and as director and actress. She served as California State Thespian Board Member and director of the All-State Thespian Show, California State Thespian Director, and director of All State California Show performed at International Thespian Conference at Ball State University, 1983 and 1990; director of state level winning ensembles and actors for California State Thespian festivals; director of prize winning scenes and actors at California State University; director of Shakespearean scenes and actors at Chapman College Shakespeare Festival. Her students have won many awards and have gone on to work in the theatre, television, and movie industries.