Melissa J. (Perry) Jones

Melissa Jayne Jones, born February 17, 1964, of Newark, Delaware, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones in her family home on Monday, April 14th 2025. She was the beloved daughter of the late James Russell and Dorothy Jayne Perry and the cherished wife of John Raymond Jones of 34 years.

Melissa dedicated over 30 years of her life to education as an early education teacher, Sunday school teacher at Friendship Baptist Church, instructor and faculty librarian, most notably at Wilmington University, where she touched the lives of countless children and students with her warmth and deep compassion. Her quiet strength, thoughtful nature, gentle heart and generous spirit made her a light and comfort to all who knew her.

She is survived by her loving husband, John; her children, Erica Jayne Jones-Wilson (Dr. Leon Wilson IV), Julie Renee Jones-Reichlin (Brandon Reichlin), John Robert Jones (Savannah Jones), Joanna Elizabeth Jones (Daniel Walker), and Nicole Marie Thomas (Charles Thomas III). Melissa also leaves behind her brother Timothy Perry, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved her dearly, including her lifelong best friend, Maryanna Valladares. Melissa was preceded in death by her parents, her eldest brother, James M. Perry, and her youngest son, Russell Lawrence Jones, whose memory she carried in her heart every day.

A life-long Delawarean Melissa was an avid reader, her hobbies included gardening, sewing, yoga, hiking, and cross stitch. Her favorite place was the beach, and she loved to travel, she had dreams of traveling to Europe someday. But above all, the ambition of her life was to be a loving “Mimi” to her eight grandchildren, Ariana Noel Wilson, Johnny Russell Jones, Charles “Tuck” D. Thomas IV, James Allen Reichlin, Cameron Louise Reichlin, Josephine Rose Thomas, Margot Jayne Wilson, and yet to be born Bonnie LeyAnn Jones.

Her legacy is one of faithfulness in the Lord, unending love, and unwavering dedication to community, students, friends and her family. She will be deeply missed, always remembered, forever loved.

Family and friends are invited to visit at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Pike Creek on Thursday, April 24 from 9:30 – 11:00AM.  A Remembrance Service will begin at 11:00AM, immediately followed by interment at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear.

In lieu of flowers, Melissa asked that donations be made in her memory to Unite for HER (to honor her battle with breast cancer), 22 E. King Street, Malvern, PA 19355 (https://www.uniteforher.org).

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