Shirley Hampton Jones, 86

McMinnville resident and DeKalb County native Shirley Hampton Jones, 86, was born July 5, 1939 and died Feb. 22, 2026 at St. Thomas River Park Hospital following a brief illness.

Shirley proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1963 to 1964 with the 11th Air Assault Division, where he earned the distinction of Expert Marksman. He worked as a body man at Puckett Motors before opening Mt. Leo Body Shop in 1965. He later enjoyed working side by side with his son for many years before retiring and was a faithful member of Lighthouse Baptist Church,  He was the son of the late Wesley Brown and Maudie Earlene Jaco Jones. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother, John Ransom Jones; sisters, Ruth Patterson and Billie Marie Weddington and nephews, Michael Haley and Randy Jones.

He married the love of his life, Deloris, on Feb. 20, 1959 who survives. Together with his wife and brother, Wesley, he formed a gospel singing group known as The Jones Trio, traveling and sharing God’s word with others. Shirley lived a simple life with great integrity. He was kind, caring, giving and always ready to help others. In his later years, he cherished spending time with the light of his life — his grandson, Blake. Monty and Blake will carry on his legacy.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by son, Monty (Kristi) Jones of McMinnville; grandson, Blake Jones; brothers, Clinton (Betty) Jones, Wesley (Ann) Jones and Charles Jones, all of McMinnville; goddaughter, Haley ("Z") Serna; sister-in-law, Doris Ann Haley; brother-In-Law, Kermit Ray Denton and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 in High’s Chapel with Anthony Wanamaker officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Warren County. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. until time of service at High’s.

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Main Street Journal

Feb. 23, 2026