Rita Joyce Jones

Rita Joyce Jones, 80, of Madison, Mississippi, passed peacefully into glory on November 16, 2025. She was a loving, loyal, and sacrificial wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved to read, cook, sew, and dote over her grandchildren. Always known to speak her mind, you never wondered where you stood with Rita. She had a quick wit and enjoyed when those around her joined in. She lived a life seeking to minimize her burden on others while giving to those she loved.
Rita was born in Brookhaven, Mississippi, on September 29, 1945, to Luther and Fordie Easley. She was the only daughter of seven children and graduated from Brookhaven High School. She was living in Natchez, Mississippi when she met her husband, Jerry Lee Jones. They were married on April 23, 1966, and blessed with two children: Wendy Stocking and Scott Jones.
Rita and Jerry traveled the world during Jerry's 20 years of service in the United States Navy. After they married, Rita and Jerry lived in Pensacola, Florida; Corpus Christi, Texas, Mountainview, California; Bremerton, Washington; San Diego, California; Guam; Sicily; and Memphis, Tennessee, where Jerry retired from the Navy. After many years in Memphis, they moved to Madison, Mississippi in 2005 and have been faithful members of Highlands Presbyterian Church and the Crossroads Sunday School Class. Rita loved her many friends in Crossroads and enjoyed attending weekly Bible studies.
Rita and Jerry enjoyed nearly 60 years of life together. In the last seven years, she devoted herself to caring for Jerry after he suffered a stroke. Her hard work and desire to find equipment to help enrich Jerry's life is a continuing legacy that Jerry enjoys today. She leaves her family and friends with a beautiful example of sacrificial love, steadfast devotion, and grace.
Her passing is mourned by her husband, Jerry Lee Jones; daughter, Wendy Stocking; son, Scott Jones (Maggie); grandchildren, Sean Stocking (Randi), Paige Bernardi (Gregory), Lucy Jones, and Jane Helen Jones; and great-grandchildren, Nico, Amelia, Celia, and Elaina Bernardi. Rita also leaves behind her brothers, Larry Easley, Roger Easley (Kathi), and Doug Easley (Linda), as well as a host of nephews and nieces and many dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and three of her brothers: David Easley, Gene Easley, and Pat Easley.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Brandon Garriga for his care and wisdom. They also wish to thank "B Nice" caretakers for its steady and dependable care over the last two years. The family especially expresses its gratitude to Rochelle Ball for her tender, loving care of both Rita and Jerry. We also thank the Arbor and PAX Hospice for their compassion in Rita's final days.
The pallbearers are Sean Stocking, Gregory Bernardi, Rod Easley, Corey Easley, and Anthony Thompson. Honorary pallbearers include David Easley and Jarrett Todd. Funeral services will be held at Highlands Presbyterian Church on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will precede the service beginning at 9:00 a.m. A graveside service will follow at Riverwood Memorial Park in Brookhaven, Mississippi, at 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, and if friends desire, memorials may be made to Highlands Presbyterian Church.