Lenita “Marilyn” Jones, 91, died on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

Marilyn was born in Friendship, OK and her family moved to Wichita, KS 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 and 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 to Pensacola in 1982. 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 1982 to 1993.

After retirement in 1993, Marilyn volunteered at Covenant Hospice, Sacred Heart Children's Hospital, Learn to Read, Cordova Park Elementary School and Episcopal Day School. She and Murray spent 5 years in the Big Brother and Big Sister program. She also participated in many opportunities for ministry at First United Methodist Church of Pensacola.

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

A memorial service will be held at a later date at First United Methodist Church, Pensacola, FL.