Mary Margaret graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Administration from Memphis State (now the University of Memphis) in August 1958. Her career spanned over 30 years as she taught at Farmington Elementary and Germantown High School.
On July 12, 1959, Mary Margaret married Alston Crawford Jones, with whom she shared a loving family life. She was a beloved mother and cherished friend, known for her gift of guidance and inspiration, which touched the lives of her children, students, and countless others seeking direction. Mary Margaret seamlessly blended her roles as an academic mentor and a nurturing parent.
Mary Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Alston Jones; her father, Van Palmer Finger; her mother, Mary Kelly Myers Finger; and her sister, Ann Palmer Finger Kelly. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Kelly Jones Tipton (Ralph Ernest “Tip” Jr); her son, Patrick Walker Jones (Kelli); and her grandchildren, Mary Myers Tipton, Bridges Wynne Tipton, Rhiannon Claire Jones Kratochvil (Daniel), and Norah Elizabeth Jones. She is also survived by her siblings, Jane Finger and Van Palmer Finger, Jr., along with many nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM at Memphis Funeral Home, located at 5599 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119. The funeral service will follow at the same location from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Burial will occur afterwards, at Memorial Park Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dementia Society of America or Palmer Home for Children.
