Debra Jones

Debra Jones, lovingly known to her family as Ma-Mayi, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of 74. She was born on July 29, 1951, in Frankfort, Kentucky, and later made St. Louis her home, where she built a life grounded in family and service. Debra dedicated many years of her professional life to Washington University in St. Louis, where she worked in the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures. She retired in December 2018, leaving behind a legacy of commitment to education, cultural understanding, and thoughtful service. She was also an active member of Union Avenue Christian Church. She led with kindness and integrity in both her professional and personal life. Above all, Debra was devoted to her circle of family and friends. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose greatest joy came from time spent with those she loved. Known for her quiet strength, gentle wisdom, and joyful smile, she was a source of comfort and stability to many. Her love and influence will continue to live on through the generations she nurtured. Those she leaves to cherish her memory are her daughter, Krishnah Jones; her grandchildren, Christopher Jones, Jerome Trigg, Morgan Hobbs, Marcus Gay (partner, Michelle Like), and Malena Jones; her great-grandchildren, Aori Gay, Marcus Gay, Jr., Braylen Scott, Milo Gay, Aniyhai Mosley, Aayonna Like, Anyah Winston; her sibling, William Thomas (Tommy) Hedges, Jr. (wife, Carla Hedges); her stepmother, Louise Singleton Hedges; her half-siblings, Pattie Hedges Branham, Connie Hedges, Ray Hedges; her nephews, Christopher Carl Hedges and Warren Patrick Hedges. She is also survived by Hula Vaughn, a cherished companion and close presence in her life. Those who preceded her in death are her mother, Christine Wilson (Hedges), and her father, William Thomas Hedges. Graveside service will be held at 2:00pm on Monday, December 29, 2025 at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held from 12:00pm until 2:00pm on Monday, December 29, 2025 at Clark Legacy Center, Versailles Rd.