02/11/2026
Erma Gay Jones passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on the evening of Monday, February 9, 2026, following sudden heart failure.
She was born on October 11, 1942, in Leake County, Mississippi, the third child of James Cecil Jones and Marguerite Wright Jones.
She is survived by her children, Christy Ware (Duane), Jaye McNinch (Melissa), and Jeremy McNinch (Staci); her sisters, Hilda Jones Nichols and Judith Latricia Jones (Parker Keeton); and a host of grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who brought her immeasurable joy.
She now rests in peace with her beloved parents; her eldest brother, Hugh Ellis Jones; and her youngest brother, Dwight Jones, who preceded her in death.
Erma Gay’s love of learning lives on in the thousands of students she inspired during more than 35 years teaching social studies in the Pearl City School System, as well as during her time teaching at Hanau American High School in a U.S. military base in West Germany. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Mississippi University for Women and a Master of Education from Mississippi State University. Among the first educators in Mississippi to achieve National Board Certification in Social Studies, she set a standard of excellence that reflected both her dedication and her passion for her profession.
She was honored as the 3rd Congressional District Teacher of the Year and received numerous accolades throughout her distinguished career. Beyond the awards, she was a devoted mentor and advocate for young teachers, always ready with encouragement, wisdom, and unwavering support.
An avid reader, Erma Gay was believed to have enjoyed more than 10,000 books over her lifetime, often finishing several in a single day during her later years. Her curiosity about the world extended far beyond the page. She loved to travel and embraced new experiences with enthusiasm and joy. Her first international journey took her to South Korea in the early 1980s, followed by adventures to dozens of countries, concluding at 80 years old with her final trip in 2022 from Spain to Argentina. Through multiple scholarships from the U.S. Department of State’s Fulbright Program, she brought the world back to her classroom—studying the history and traditions of each culture, crafting engaging lesson plans, and sharing her experiences with students and fellow educators alike.
A lifelong resident of Pearl, Mississippi, Erma Gay graduated from Pearl High School in 1960 as Salutatorian of her class and was voted “Most Likely to Succeed”—a title she surely fulfilled. She treasured her memories of growing up in Pearl: working at the local drugstore soda fountain, playing outdoors with her siblings, and wearing handmade dresses to school dances.
She was a devoted member of Alpha Delta Kappa (Omicron and Alpha Epsilon Chapters), an international philanthropic organization for women educators. For more than 55 years she faithfully served the organization and was honored as a Golden Sister. She was also a dedicated 20-year member of the Pearl Kiwanis Club, receiving the 2024 Distinguished Longtime Service Award. Most recently, she joined the Rankin County Kiwanis Club. These organizations reflected her lifelong commitment to education, friendship, and service to others.
Mom loved playing bridge with her friends in local clubs and even competed in tournaments a few times. Several times a year, she hosted bridge at her home, where she prepared delicious food and the house filled with laughter, conversation, and friendly competition. A family favorite was her “deer fingers”—like chicken fingers, but made from venison brought home from her two brothers’ hunting trips. Music filled her life, and seeing Elvis Presley in concert remained one of her most cherished memories.
Above all, Erma Gay delighted in time spent with her grandchildren—Joey McNinch, James McNinch, Anthony Minardi, Patrick Minardi, Van McNinch, Hayes McNinch, and her only granddaughter, Jane McNinch. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Joe Haney (Deborah), John Richard Haney (Christy), Cyndy Kay Jones, Angela Suzanne Foster (Ronnie), and Cathi Silence (Kevin). Her family was her pride and her greatest blessing.
Visitation will be held Thursday, February 12, from 4:00–7:00 p.m., and Friday, February 13, from 10:00–11:00 a.m., with the service immediately following at 11:00 a.m., at Baldwin Lee Funeral Home in Pearl (3780 US-80 East, Pearl, MS 39208).
Erma Gay was deeply loved and will be dearly missed. Her legacy lives on in every student she taught, every teacher she mentored, every life she touched, and every page she turned.
In Lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Erma Gay Jones Scholarship funded by the Pearl Education Foundation for Excellence.
Make Checks Payable to:
Pearl Ed Foundation
MEMO: Erma Gay Jones Scholarship Contribution
Mail to:
Pearl Ed Foundation
C/O Community Bank
1905 Community Bank Way, Suite 19
Flowood, MS 39232
Fond memories and condolences may be shared by visiting baldwinleepearl.com.
