Rose Ann Jones, age 88, of Newark, Delaware, passed away at her home on the morning of May 4, 2025.
Born on January 2, 1937, in Lonaconing, Maryland, Rose Ann was the only child of James Francis and Irene Agatha (Walsh) Kelly. She was also reared by her aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. John Edward Atkinson, following her parents’ deaths.
Rose Ann was a 1955 graduate of Valley High School in Lonaconing. After graduation, she moved to Washington, DC, where she met her future husband, William Thomas Jones III (Bill). They made their home in Newark, Delaware and raised three children. Following Bill’s death, she went to work in Legislative Hall in Dover. She worked in the House as well as the Senate. She also worked in Customer Correspondence at MBNA for many years. Both places of employment brought her much fulfillment.
Rose Ann was an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Newark, where she happily served on many committees, such as Altar Society (Women’s Group), Outreach, Lazarus Committee, Summerfest, and more. Rose Ann loved being involved in Delaware politics too. She was a regular at Democratic party meetings and worked at the polls on election days for many years.
Besides her parents, Rose Ann was predeceased by her husband. She is survived by her three children, James H. Jones (Teresa), William T. Jones (Cathy), and Nada Ann Jones. She also leaves her six grandchildren: Michael, Jennifer, Joe, Jim, Jessica, and John. There are also 14 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. She was affectionately known by all the “grands” as Mom-Mom. Her niece and nephew, Amy and David Shelton, and a foster son, Harry Miller, were also dear to her.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 15, from 6 -8 PM at McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3710 Kirkwood Hwy, Wilmington, DE. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Friday, May 16, at 11AM at the Holy Family Catholic Church, 15 Gender Road, Newark, DE 19713. Burial will follow at All Saints Cemetery. The family asks attendees to bring donations of nonperishable food items for the parish food pantry.
