Shirley Marie McPhail Jones (86) passed away on August 8, 2026, in Flowood, Mississippi. She was born on February 6, 1940, in Carson, Mississippi of Jefferson Davis County, to Hovis and Margie McPhail.

From the young age of three, Shirley knew that one day she wanted to become a nurse. She fulfilled that childhood calling and devoted 40 years of her life to nursing and caring for others. Her career both began and ended at Baptist Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi, while the majority of those years were spent serving patients at Central Orthopedic Clinic. Caring for people was more than a profession for Shirley; it was simply part of who she was.

Shirley was also a gifted artist with a beautiful talent for oil painting, an interest she actively pursued while working, raising her two daughters, and building a life with her husband of 62 years, Gerald Milton Jones.

Her faith was at the center of her life. Shirley was a devoted and active member of Hillcrest Baptist Church, where she served in countless ways throughout the years. She sang in the choir, taught Sunday school and nursery, served with the youth ministry, participated on committees, and was always willing to lend a hand wherever one was needed.

Although Shirley accomplished much through her nursing career, her artwork, and her service to her church, nothing brought her greater pride or joy than her family. She dearly loved her siblings and made it a priority to bring the family together regularly, creating opportunities for brothers, sisters, children, grandchildren, and cousins to visit, laugh, and make memories together.

Above all else was Shirley’s love for God and her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She lived her faith through the way she cared for people, served others, and loved her family. Showing God’s love to those around her was not simply something she spoke about—it was the way she chose to live her life.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Gerald Milton Jones; her sister, Connie Joann McPhail; her father, Hovis McPhail; and her mother, Margie McPhail Magee.

She is survived by her sister, Peggy McPhail McLean; her brothers, Glenn McPhail and Ronald McPhail; her daughters, Lisa Bourgoyne and husband Tray of Raymond, Mississippi, and Amy Myers and husband Bill of Madison, Mississippi; and her four grandchildren, Brooke Melton and husband Garrett, Austin Myers, Brad Myers, and Aaden Myers. She also leaves behind her beloved cat, Inky.

Shirley’s legacy lives on through the family she loved so deeply, the countless people she cared for during her years as a nurse, the church family she faithfully served, and the example of faith and love she leaves behind.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life at Hillcrest Baptist Church, 5950 Terry Road, Byram, MS 39272 on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Visitation will be from 10:00 am – 12 pm with the Service at 12:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.