Mary Shelton Jones, a beloved educator, community leader, and cherished family member, peacefully transitioned on August 30, 2024, at the age of 95, at her daughter’s home in Forestville, Maryland. Born on June 25, 1929, Mary was the youngest of eleven children born to Edward Lee and Willie Leatha Shelton. Her journey of faith began early at Jerusalem Baptist Church, where she remained a devoted member throughout her life. She served in various roles including church clerk, Deaconess, Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, and choir member. She loved her Jerusalem Baptist Church family and community, and worked diligently to help the church be successful in its endeavors.

Mary’s early educational training started at Carter’s Field School and concluded with her graduation from the Buckingham Training School. With determination and hard work, she saved diligently for college and graduated from Virginia State College (now Virginia State University) in 1953 and married Rolf Leon Jones, with whom she shared 40 years of marriage until his passing in 1993. She later returned to VSU to earn a master’s degree in 1976.

Mary dedicated 40 years of her life to being a teacher in Buckingham County, beginning her career at the Red Bottom School, a one-room schoolhouse in the Warminster Baptist Church community. Her teaching journey continued at Washington Carver (later Gold Hill Elementary) and Dillwyn Elementary. For Mary, teaching was not just a profession but a profound calling, reflecting her commitment to her students and her community. She always said she knew that she wanted to be a teacher from an early age.

A passionate community leader, Mary was a charter member of Club XXV, an organization that supported scholarships, family life programs, and Black History Month events. She served as President of the United Baptist Association and the Women’s Missionary and Educational Convention of Central Virginia for many years. Her active involvement in numerous organizations included Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the Virginia State University Alumni Association, the National and Virginia Retired Teachers Association, the Buckingham Voter’s League, the NAACP, and Friends of the Library.

Mary was predeceased by her husband, Rolf Leon Jones, and her siblings James Shelton, Robert Lee Shelton, Martha Jones, John Shelton, Mack Shelton, Leatha Cave, Emmaline Shelton, Lillie DeChalus, and Haywood Shelton. She is survived by her sister, Pauline Boxley; a sister-in-law Ophelia Shelton; her children, Leona Jones, Belinda Page (Joseph), Cassandra Jones, and Rolf Jones (Angela); four grandchildren, Joseph Page, III (Katherine), Jessica Page, Christina Page, and Arianna Jones; and two great-grandchildren, Dontrelle Inman, Jr. and Londyn Page, along with many loving family and community members.

Mary will be remembered fondly for her unwavering love, dedication, and service. She was known for her ability to “get things done,” and helping people wherever and however she could. She often would say “I just want to help somebody.” Her spirit of caring and determination were an inspiration to so many. She will be missed.