Obituaries

Gaynell Dutton Jones, 79, of Martinsville, Virginia, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026. She was born on September 14, 1946, in Clintwood, Virginia, to the late Lacy and Opal Dutton.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Anderson Jones; one infant son; and her brothers, Paul Dutton and Farley Dutton. Gaynell was a woman of Christian faith who lived her life with love and purpose. She was a true Superwoman who worked in private duty childcare and drove a special needs bus for many years while living in Nashua, New Hampshire, for over 40 years prior to her retirement and return to Virginia.

Gaynell was amazing, loving, kind, and giving. She loved her family dearly, especially her grandchildren, who meant the world to her. She loved summer camping and boating on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire with her family and close friends and working in her garden; she truly had a green thumb.

She was an amazing cook who enjoyed feeding and entertaining her family and friends with her meals, not to mention her amazing fried chicken! Simply put, Gaynell enjoyed life and made it beautiful and better for everyone around her.

She is survived by her daughters, Robin Walker (Ron) and Andrea Jones; her sisters, Sheila Mullins (Jerry), Peggy Phipps (Robert), Phyllis Moore, Arlene Reed, and Rita Poland; her brothers, Avery Dutton (Patsy), Danny Dutton (Pam), Lacy Dutton Jr. (Brenda), and Dennis Dutton; many nieces and nephews; her grandchildren, Stephanie Walker, Ronnie Walker, and Leah Walker; and "adoptive granddaughter," Grace Campbell.

Although services are private, the family wishes to express their profound gratitude for all of the love, prayers, and many good deeds sent their way during this time of grief.

Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family.