Patricia "Patsy" Dees Jones

Patricia “Patsy” Dees Jones, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2025, at the age of 92. Her life was a remarkable journey filled with love, adventure, and dedication to her family and community.

Born on January 8, 1933, to Clifton Leroy Dees and Ionia Mills Dees, Patsy grew up on the Gulf Coast, where she embraced life with enthusiasm and grace. She graduated from Vancleave High School in 1951, where she was an active member of the basketball team. She attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where she proudly became a lifetime member of the Kappa Delta Sorority. During her time there, she met her first great love, Samuel Cobern Hinton. The couple married in 1953 and settled in Bay Springs, Mississippi, where they raised their three children: Cobern Dees Hinton, Samuel Donald Hinton, and Patricia Hinton Grigsby.

Patsy was a devoted mother, dedicating herself to her children’s lives through countless football games, band concerts, and dance recitals. Her unwavering love and support created a strong foundation for her family, one that has been passed down through generations.

In 1978, after the untimely death of her husband, Sammy, Patsy moved to Gulfport, Mississippi, where she began a new chapter as a tour director, traveling the world and forming friendships that would last a lifetime. She also embraced the Gulf Coast’s rich culture, becoming an integral part of the Mardi Gras community as a longtime member of the Order of Bilikins and the Krewe of Les Marquees.

Later, Patsy met the second great love of her life, Major General Leo Buck Jones. Together, they shared over 20 wonderful years of marriage, creating countless memories with their cherished poodles, Casey Jones and Noni Jones. Their life together was filled with travel, laughter, and the camaraderie of military life. Eventually, they settled along the beach in Ocean Springs, where they enjoyed their golden years surrounded by the beauty of the Gulf Coast.

In 2009, Patsy was honored as "Woman of the Year" in recognition of her instrumental role in contributing to the "Home of Grace" in Vancleave, MS. Her dedication and vision left a lasting legacy, exemplifying her unwavering commitment to her community and her passion for making a difference in the lives of others.

Patsy was a dedicated member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Ocean Springs, where her faith and kindness touched many lives. She was immensely proud of her six grandchildren and six great grandchildren. She lovingly followed their accomplishments and celebrated their milestones, big and small, with unwavering enthusiasm. 

In her later years, Patsy resided at The Lighthouse Assisted Living in Ocean Springs, where she participated in various activities and forming cherished friendships within the community

Patsy is preceded in death by her parents, Clifton Leroy Dees and Ionia Mills Dees; her first husband, Samuel Cobern Hinton; her second husband, Major General Leo B. Jones; her siblings, Lysbeth Dees Ramsay, Kipp Dees, Betty Jane Dees and Peggy Dees Plunk; and her granddaughter, Alison Hinton Davis. 

She is survived by her children, Cobern Dees Hinton(Dusty), Samuel Donald Hinton(Donna), Patricia Hinton Grigsby; her grandchildren, Matthew Hinton, Natalie Hinton Newton(Chris), Kristin Hinton Cox(Joseph), Harlee Hinton Walley(Mitchell) and Landon Grigsby; and her great grandchildren Carson Odom, Kinsley Newton, Hunter Newton, Hinton Cox, Elliot Cox, and Tate Cox. 

A celebration of Patsy’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at Vancleave Chapel - Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home. Friends may visit from 1:00 PM to 2:00PM. Interment following the service at Vancleave Cemetery 

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to The Lighthouse Assisted Living staff and caregivers, especially Nurse Troy. We would also like to thank the medical team at Ocean Springs Hospital, as well as Dr. Christopher Shelby, Dr. Eric Patten, Dr. Christopher Semple, and Doretha Smith. Special thanks also go to Reverend Gary Knight, Mollie McCarroll and Betty Jane Mozingo for their support and care.

Patsy’s life was a testament to love, resilience, and faith. She will be deeply missed but her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. 

Pallbearers are Landon Grigsby, Matthew Hinton, Carson Odom, Joseph Cox, Mitchell Walley, and Chris Newton. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Children's of Mississippi Hospital, honoring Patsy's lifelong love for children and her commitment to nurturing future generations.https://secure3.convio.net/chno/site/Donation2?idb=1497500269&DONATION_LEVEL_ID_SELECTED=1&df_id=2068&mfc_pref=T&2068.donation=form1&idb=[[S76:idb]]

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Patricia "Patsy" Dees Jones.