Lenita Marilyn Jones died on May 27, 2026 at age 91. She was born in Friendship, Oklahoma and her family moved to Wichita, Kansas when she was seven. Marilyn was the oldest of five children. She graduated from Planeview High School and received a scholarship from Friends University. She majored in elementary education and after graduation taught for seven years in the Wichita area.

In 1956, she attended the post college group at the First Presbyterian Church where she met Murray Jones. They were married on December 28, 1957. Murray was employed by the Veterans Administration as a counseling psychologist. In 1974, he was transferred to St. Petersburg, then to Orlando for seven years, and finally to Pensacola in 1981. After taking a break to raise children, Marilyn taught preschool at Conway United Methodist Church and then at Pinar Elementary School in Orlando. After moving to Pensacola, she taught at Beulah Elementary School from 1981 to 1993 and was teacher of the year for the 1988-89 school year.

Following her retirement in 1993, Marilyn continued to serve the community. She volunteered weekly at Covenant Hospice, Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital, Learn to Read, Cordova Park Elementary School and Episcopal Day School. She and Murray also spent 5 years as volunteers with the Big Brother and Big Sister program. Marilyn was an active member of the United Methodist Church in each city where she and Murray lived including 45 years at First United Methodist Church of Pensacola. Among her many ministries at the church, she participated in the Good Shepherd program, prayer shawl ministry, and prayer chain ministries.

One of Marilyn’s greatest joys was the time spent with her grandchildren. She frequently planned days full of fun activities with her grands who lovingly called her “Grandmom”.

Survivors include her husband, Murray Jones; and children, Kevin Jones (Brenda), Karen Thornhill (Roger), Derek Jones (Julie); and four grandchildren, Preston Jones, Meryl Jones, Cameron Jones, and Harrison Jones.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at First United Methodist Church of Pensacola, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Pensacola Living Trust in memory of Marilyn Jones.