Donald Leon Jones

Donald Leon Jones, 80, of Washington, DC, passed away on February 25, 2026, in Silver Spring, Maryland. He was born on June 22, 1945, in Newport News, Virginia, to Roger and Raemella Jones, and was raised in Washington, DC, where he remained a proud Washingtonian throughout his life.

Donald graduated from McKinley Tech Senior High School in Washington, DC, in 1963. During his time at McKinley Tech, he was a standout athlete who ran track and field and competed in the prestigious Penn Relays, the nation's oldest and largest track and field meet since 1895.

He attended Howard University, where he distinguished himself in ROTC, winning the World's Fair Drill Team competition in 1963. He later transferred to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Aggie Pride! He earned a degree in Biology. He proudly served his country in Vietnam as a First Lieutenant in 1970, serving as an infantry advisor to the Vietnamese army.

Donald loved his family deeply. He was married to Brenda, and together they built a beautiful 42-year marriage.

Donald was always doting on his four children and served as a father figure to other children in the neighborhood. Donald's home was a gathering place where neighborhood children were always welcome. He was beloved in his community, known for his warmth, generosity, and the joy he brought to everyone around him. Above all, Donald was a loving father to his children and a devoted grandfather who treasured every moment with his grandchildren. He cherished spending time at the family farms in North Carolina and Virginia, where he could connect with his roots and share those experiences with his loved ones.

Donald dedicated 30 years to Verizon as a Computer Programming Director, where his expertise and leadership left a lasting impact. While working at Verizon, he furthered his education by earning a Business Degree from University of Pennsylvania Wharton Business School, demonstrating his commitment to excellence and lifelong learning. He retired at the age of 55.

A man of many passions, Donald loved playing basketball, fishing, tending to his plants, cheering on DC sports teams, and dancing—he even won hand dancing competitions. He enjoyed playing cards, tackling handy work around the house, and cooking meals that brought people together.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Brenda Jones of Silver Spring, MD; daughter Daemon Jones of Washington, DC; son Daryl Jones and his spouse Elisabeth of Fairfax, VA; daughter Erica Fye and her spouse Modou of Frederick, MD; son Erik Jones and his spouse Brittany of Silver Spring, MD; and grandchildren Savannah, Avery, Nina, Harlyn, Modou Jr., Jacob, and Magnolia. Donald was preceded in death by his father Roger Jones, mother Raemella Jones, and brother Jerome Jones.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, 11800 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904, on March 21, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, with livestream available at https://my.gather.app/remember/donald-jones-feb-2026.