Della Mae Mills Jones

Della Mae Mills Jones, 97, of New Bern, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 2, 2026. Born in Pitt County, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Ada Mills. In addition to her parents, Della was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph David “JD” Jones; her daughter, Geraline Jones Johnson; granddaughter, Kristen Diane Canady; grandsons, David Johnson and Michael Ray Johnson; great-granddaughter, Alexa Johnson; five sisters; four brothers; and her special friend, Tommy Gibson.

She is survived by her daughters, Becky Humphrey and husband Charles of Cary, NC, and JoAnn Canady and husband Bruce of Cedar Rapids, IA; her sister, Myrtle Wilson of Osage, MN; four grandchildren, Carrie Johnson Dobbs, Eric Humphrey, BJ Canady, and Drew Canady; and seven great-grandchildren, Anthony Johnson, Scarlett Dobbs, Savannah Jade Dobbs, Isabella Dobbs, Jadelyn Johnson, Katelyn Johnson, and Anji Johnson.

Della was raised on a farm in Pitt County, where her family grew tobacco, and she would fondly share stories of her time working the fields. She met her husband, JD, at a dance, beginning a life together that included living in Carteret County before settling in Craven County. Over the years, Della worked as the manager of Scotty’s Drug Store in downtown New Bern, sold Sarah Coventry jewelry, conducted company audits, oversaw elections at Brinson Memorial School, and provided temporary assistance at the Blue Cross Blue Shield office in New Bern.

A devoted member of Neuse Forest Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church, Della actively participated in the Neuse Forest Women’s Bible Study. She deeply loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and treasured summer family trips to Sunset Beach, as well as visits to family in Iowa. Della also enjoyed shopping and jewelry and was often complimented on her appearance, gentle spirit, and kind nature as both a friend and a person.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Neuse Forest Presbyterian Church, with burial to follow at Greenleaf Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Cotten Funeral Home and Crematory.

Please join the family for a luncheon provided by the church at Neuse Forest Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall immediately following the services on Tuesday.

Memorial contributions in Mrs. Jones’s honor may be made to Neuse Forest Presbyterian Church, 2011 Old Cherry Point Road, New Bern, NC 28560.