Melissa Osborne Jones, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2025, in the Franklin, North Carolina home she nurtured and cherished for more than sixty years. She was 87 years old.

Born on October 7, 1938, Melissa was the only daughter of Blanche and Elmer Osborne. She grew up surrounded by the warmth of family and the values that shaped her lifelong commitment to service, faith, and education. A graduate of Canton High School, Melissa went on to study at Mary Washington College before completing her education at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

While attending UNC, Melissa met the love of her life, Richard "Dick" Jones, then a student in the UNC School of Law. The two married and built a life of true partnership. They settled in Dick's hometown of Franklin, NC, where they raised their family and became deeply woven into the community. Dick preceded her in death in August 2025, after more than six decades of marriage.

Together, Melissa and Dick raised three children: Richard Sloan Jones, III (deceased), Fred Howell Jones (Jennifer DeJonge Jones), and Laura Jones Caffrey. Melissa was immensely proud of her four grandchildren—Lyle Alexander Jones (Christina Charles Jones), Katherine Schnabel-Jones (Tommy Schnabel), Keelin Sloan Caffrey, and Conor Brian Caffrey—and delighted in the newest addition to the family, her great-grandson, Charles Alexander Jones.

A woman of considerable intellect and character, Melissa was recognized at UNC as a member of the Order of Valkyries, an honorary society that celebrates academic excellence, leadership, service, and integrity. These values guided her throughout her life. She believed deeply in the power of education and worked to ensure others had access to opportunity--helping to establish a scholarship program to support students attending UNC. She also led a community effort in the 1970's to build a state-of-the-art Macon Middle School.

For more than 40 years, she worked alongside her husband in the family law practice, serving as legal secretary and office manager—roles in which her diligence, intelligence, and unwavering dedication were indispensable. Though she often worked behind the scenes, Melissa was the quiet force that kept life moving forward, the person who ensured that every detail was cared for and every need met.

Her creativity found expression in her love of interior design. Melissa's home was a place of beauty, comfort, and welcome—an inviting retreat for family and friends alike. Whether hosting an intimate dinner, an elegant cocktail gathering, or a lively family reunion, she brought grace, warmth, and effortless hospitality to every occasion. She also was instrumental in the design and development of a major addition to the First United Methodist Church in the mid-80's when the new sanctuary was built and seamlessly joined with the old.

Melissa was known for her quick wit and, when needed, a sharp and perfectly timed comeback. Yet she carried herself with profound gratitude, a quality that illuminated her relationships and her final days. Though unable to rise from her bed, and stricken with a painful cancer of the bones, her words when awakening to a surprise visit from her granddaughter were "Oh how lucky have I been!" These were among her last words, a simple, heartfelt reflection of the life she lived and the love she shared.

She will be remembered for her steadfast faith, her devotion to family, her generous hospitality and her contributions to a family legacy that she adopted and enhanced.

Melissa's spirit lives on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, church, community, and the countless lives enriched by her kindness and service. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is reunited with her devoted husband and beloved son, and that her light continues in all who loved her.

The family will have a celebration of life service for both Melissa and Dick on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at First United Methodist Church in Franklin, NC. Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Mainspring Conservation Trust in support of the restoration of the Siler/Jones house, to the Franklin First United Methodist Church (the Flower Fund), or to a charity of your choice.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.