Nancy Lynne Jones

In Loving Memory of Dr. Nancy Lynne Jones
Nancy Lynne Jones, Ph.D., age 66, of Rockville, Maryland, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, July 13, 2025, surrounded by her family after living with grace and unwavering faith through her final months of returned cancer.
Nancy was born on June 8, 1959, in Syracuse, New York. She was the beloved sister of Sandy Yagel (Gary) of Olney, Maryland, Carol McFarland (William) of Manassas, Virginia, Bruce Jones of Atlantic Beach, Florida, and Jessie Lease (Bob) of Fairfax, Virginia. She was predeceased by her loving parents, Robert and Janet Jones. She was a proud aunt to 17 nieces and nephews, and a great-aunt to 10 great-nieces and nephews.
Family was one of Nancy's greatest priorities and deepest sources of joy. She cherished time with loved ones, nurturing relationships across generations and exploring ancestry to honor family stories and roots. She was an avid reader and enjoyed the companionship of her dogs, Lucky and Paz. Nancy had a passion for travel, embracing new places and experiences-whether for adventure, recreation, visiting family, or serving others. She also enjoyed creating handmade pottery as a peaceful and expressive outlet. A gracious hostess, Nancy found joy in welcoming others-gathering family around the table, hosting Bible studies in her home, and opening her doors to those in need of a place to stay.
From an early age, Nancy's strong Christian faith was the cornerstone of her life. She radiated the joy of the Lord, actively participated in church ministries and missions, mentored others through personal struggles, and witnessed countless lives transformed by the Holy Spirit.
Nancy had an extensive and impactful career in science. She earned her BS in Biochemistry from Virginia Tech (1981), her PhD in Biochemistry from Wake Forest University School of Medicine (1987), and later added a MA in Bioethics from Trinity International University (2003). Her academic achievements laid the foundation for decades of meaningful work.
Over 17 years, Dr. Jones served on the faculty of Wake Forest in the Department of Pathology, with a research focus on the macrophages role in atherosclerosis. From 2002 to 2007, she served on the Health and Human Services Secretary's Advisory Committee on Human Research Protection, helping shape national policy on research ethics. She authored or contributed to more than 40 professional publications, and created both a code of ethics for life sciences and a graduate curriculum focused on ethics and professionalism in science and engineering.
Nancy's later professional roles included serving over 16 years as an Adjunct Professor of Bioethics at Trinity International University, and more than 19 years within NIH, most recently as a Health Science Administrator at the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD). In these positions, she focused on the ethical, legal, and social dimensions of research and healthcare-particularly in service to underserved communities.
As a woman of faith, Nancy's Christian values shaped the way she treated others inside and outside of the workplace-with kindness, fairness, and a deep desire to lift those around her. Whether mentoring interns, leading collaborative research initiatives, or conversing with friends, she brought wisdom and compassion to every endeavor. Nancy's legacy of faith, love, and service will continue to inspire all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, it was Nancy's fervent desire that donations be made to these two ministries she faithfully supported: Mongolian Asia Reach P.O. Box 9238, Chesapeake, VA 23321. Run by her life-long friends Dr. Rita Browning and Margie Stone, this mission cares for vulnerable children in Mongolia. Nancy was a founder and served on the board for MAR. King of the Nations Church 10400 Darnestown Road, Rockville, MD 20850. Nancy's home church and spiritual community.
The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Nancy's church members, friends, former colleagues, neighbors, and caregivers, whose support and kindness brought great comfort during her final months.
A Celebration of Life service for Dr. Nancy Lynne Jones will take place on Friday, August 8th, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. at McLean Presbyterian Church, 1020 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101, (703) 821-0800. A light reception will follow the service.