She was born on October 21, 1925, in Norfolk, VA, was a graduate of Miss Turnbull's School in Norfolk, VA, and attended Harcum, Jr., College in Bryn Mawr, PA, where she studied fashion design. From there she was off to New York City where she was a runway model and attended cooking school.

On November 22, 1947, she married USN Ensign Norvell Otey Scott, Jr., ("Scotty"), of Ashland, VA. As a naval couple they traveled extensively and made many special friendships. She and Scotty were married for over 68 years and had three children.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel G. Jones and Mary Ruth Kelly Jones, and three of her dear brothers, Samuel G. Jones, Jr., William C. Jones, and Charles A. Jones. Surviving her are her husband, Scotty of Virginia Beach, VA; a brother, Howard E. Jones (Sara) of Virginia Beach, VA, and a sister-in-law, Lucy Jones of Virginia Beach, VA; her half-siblings, Selby Jones and Carolyn Jones; her children, Anne S. Suggs of Whiteville, NC, Norvell O. Scott, III, (Carol) of Virginia Beach, VA, and Susan O. Rockel (Fred) of Delco, NC; her grandchildren, Ashley Land, Daniel and Patrick O'Neal, and Brandon and Lauren Scott; her great-grandchildren, Todd and Lauryn Wilson; and many nieces and nephews and their families.

Also playing a vital role throughout their life were the island and the people of Ocracoke, NC. Preceding her in death was her wonderful friend of their golden years, Dora Jane Garrish. Many thanks to Chester Lynn and Roger Garrish for many merry and beautiful Christmases over the years. 

Mary Ruth carried a special and joyful love in her heart for all her family which was certainly revealed in her wonderful culinary talents. We are extremely honored and grateful for having her in our lives. She taught us generosity, caring, patience, kindness and a very strong appreciation for wonderful food. We will miss her enormously but will rejoice in so many memories. Love, family, mealtimes and especially delicious desserts are all part of her legacy. She will be the reason we all continue forward with laughter, smiles and "remember whens."

The family would also like to say a special thanks to Kathee Webster, Sandy Tebault, Dr. Anthony Fam, and the wonderful providers at Bay Lake Retirement Community, Seniorcorp, Sentara Leigh Hospital, and Sentara Hospice. Your caring and patience were so important and appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ocracoke Preservation Society, 49 Water Plant Road, Ocracoke, NC 27960 (252-928-7375), or to Ocracoke Child Care, P.O. Box 284, Ocracoke, NC 27960 (252-928-4131).

All funeral services were private. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.

Published in The Virginian Pilot on Aug. 7, 2016.