Barbara Thompson Jones, of Smyrna, passed away at home on Thursday, June 2, 2022 after a long and beautiful life.  She was 93.

Born in Wilmington on January 11, 1929, Barbara was the daughter of the late Harold E. Thompson and Florence Brackin Thompson.

Soon after graduating with a degree in Home Economics from the University of Delaware in 1950, Barbara married Reynolds Jones and settled in Smyrna.  Together they raised a family and were partners in running a farm and the Smyrna Airport.

Barbara taught second grade at Smyrna Elementary School from 1964 to 1991, being named teacher of the year for the Smyrna School District in 1985.  While working full time and raising a family, she returned to the University of Delaware to earn a Masters +50 in Elementary Education.  She was an active member of Asbury United Methodist Church, spending many volunteer hours in the church kitchen preparing and serving food for the church bazaar, outreach dinners, and Sunday morning fellowship hours.  She was a member of the Asbury Handbell Choir for many years, and was an active member of the Asbury Quilters.  During the COVID quarantine, she made over 70 quilts for donation.  She was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Theta Chapter and Leipsic Homemakers.  She was a member of Delaware Wing, Civil Air Patrol for more than 25 years, attaining the rank of Major.

She was devoted to her family and leaves a legacy of kindness, fairness, generosity, and unconditional love. Whether at home or vacationing at Pocono, she created a world where multiple generations wanted to gather as often as possible to enjoy each other's company. She cherished these family gatherings, hosting every holiday dinner for 70+ years.

In addition to her husband and parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her brother, Robert L Thompson.

She is survived by her children:  David Jones of Smyrna; Debbie Kosmer and her husband, Richard, of Forest Hill, Maryland; Bob Jones and his wife Karen, of Smyrna; Marilyn Beckley and her husband, Doug, of Quakertown, Pennsylvania; and Carol Reuben and her husband, Edward, of Smyrna.

She will be greatly missed by her 11 grandchildren:  Adam (Amy) Kosmer, Matt Kosmer, Sarah (Rob) Francis, Cody Sandoz, Wesley Jones, Seth (Eden) Beckley, Summer (Beau) Rosario, Skye (Carly) Beckley, Sawyer Beckley, Alex Reuben and Todd Reuben.   She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Anne Thompson; and her nephew, Jim Thompson.

Services will be private, followed by burial at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Smyrna.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Asbury United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 20 W. Mt. Vernon St., Smyrna, DE 19977.

To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.matthewsbryson.com

Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.