Patricia Louise Jones passed away peacefully at her home in Beckley, WV on June 19th 2026 at the age of 78.

She was born in Longacre, WV and spent her childhood in Barrett WV, specifically living in Boss’s Camp. She graduated Salutatorian from Van High School in 1965. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Morris Harvey College and a Master’s degree from Marshall University. She followed in her mother’s footsteps and pursued a career in teaching. She was a teacher and principal at Wharton Junior High before coming to Van High School where she taught English, Literature, Creative Writing, Speech, and Classics. She was known for her immense vocabulary and love of reading. Her favorite book was definitely Gone with The Wind, which she required many of her students to read. She was passionate about her students learning. Her pupils left her classroom well prepared for college and capable of being articulate members of society. She personified leading with grace, class, and style. Many will recall her signature red color and vast collection of high heels. Although, she did love donning her gold and blue to cheer on the Bulldogs and the Mountaineers. She was respected and adored by her students and colleagues. Serving 35 years in the public school system, she leaves a lasting impact on generations of students and the Van community.

Second only to her love of God, was the love of her family. She would often tell the story of meeting the love of her life, Roy, at “The Hut” when her parents sent her in for ice cream while they waited in the car. She was happily married to Roy for 59 years and was a loving mother to three children. Patricia and her daughter Angela, who she called her best friend and Barbie Doll, spent many days together doing what they loved which usually involved shopping trips, going out to lunch, or planning a party. She loved hearing stories about farm life from her son Andrew, who she called Teddy Bear, and who never left her side and prayed with her during her final days including when she took her last breath. Her youngest son Anthony, whom she called Baby Doll, followed in her footsteps with a career in education and would leave her happy post-it notes on her desk when he substituted for her class. In June of 2001 she earned her favorite title, Mimi, after the birth of her first granddaughter. Mimi was always up for whatever her grandchildren wanted to do or play which most recently was trying to beat them at a game of Old Maid or Uno. She cheered them on at countless basketball games, volleyball games, tennis and golf matches, dance recitals, cheer competitions and was just starting to learn about pickle ball. Whatever the occasion, she made sure her grandchildren felt special. She instilled a loving kindness that will live on in them in her memory.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Louise Dalton; brothers, Tom Canaday and Roger Canaday; and sister, Becky Dalton.

She is survived by her husband, Roy Jones; brother, Paul Stephen Dalton; daughter, Angela Jones-Ball (Shawn); sons Andrew Jones (Lisa) and Anthony Jones (Abby); grandchildren, Laken Ball, Jonah Ball, Adele Ball, Kaylee Jones, Kamri Jones, and Kolson Jones; extended grandchildren and great grandchildren, Robert Valle, Michael Valle, Christian Valle, and Tilly Dayle Valle.

Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Handley Funeral Home in Danville, WV with Timmy Spratt officiating. Burial will follow in Boone Memorial Park, Madison, WV.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

If you are unable to attend the service, you may watch online: https://youtube.com/live/d9_D2_ZAA44?feature=share