Sarah Leona Jones passed away peacefully Saturday, April 11, 2026, at her home, The Lodge in Fayette, MO.  A Celebration of Life will be held at the Fayette Senior Center, Saturday April 18, 2026, from 12N-2 PM for friends and family. Interment will be at the Fayette City Cemetery at a later date.

Leona was born on July 28, 1943, in Columbia, MO to William Kenneth and Julia Louise (Burnett) Acton. She attended school in Fayette.  Leona married the love of her life Alfred Cleo "Shorty" Jones in rural Harrisburg, MO September 23, 1960.  Shorty preceded her in death.

In the decade before she retired, Leona worked at Sam's Health Mart Drugstore in Fayette. Leona was also known for her years at Keller Hospital in housekeeping until it closed.

Leona is survived by her daughter Melissa Jones of Fayette, grandson Clinton (Destinee) Jones of Glasgow, MO, and her great grandchildren Knox and Drew. Brothers Joseph (Della) Acton, Doc (Charlotte) Acton, sisters Mary Ruth Gibson, Lozetta Acton, Debbie Wiseman, Bev Acton and Edie Acton will all miss her greatly.  Many nieces and nephews and Jones family members will always remember Aunt Leona. She leaves close friends and bonus daughters; Sara Stewart, Bonnie Gibson, Melanie Burnett, Brenda Spurling, and Jennifer Barnhill.

Leona was preceded in death by her parents, infant children Cynthia Louise and Clinton Burnett, granddaughter Shauna Hayes, and her brothers Frank and Charlie Acton. 

Arrangements are being handled by Friemonth-Freese Funeral Services in Fayette. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Fayette City Cemetery or St. Judes.