Houston Church Mourns Member

Shirley Patricia Jump departed this life on April 25 at the age of 97.

Born June 3, 1928, Pat was the oldest daughter of James A. and Margeret E. Messick Elliott. She attended Houston schools from grade one through eight before attending Milford High School. She graduated as a member of the class of 1946.

After graduation, Pat worked as a secretary for Libby, McNeil & Libby in Houston until her marriage to Ralph L. Jump on October 4, 1947. After their marriage, Pat moved with her husband to the family farm in Williamsville where they engaged in farming for their entire lifetime.

Pat was a member of the Houston United Methodist Church and, when she was younger, was a member of the church choir. An amazing cook and baker, Pat loved family times gathered around a table. Her family enjoyed delicious fruits and vegetables from her garden which was her pride and joy. A talented seamstress, Pat made most of the clothes her children wore. Pat’s mother died when she was only 10 and since she was the oldest girl, she learned to excel at those skills.

As for leisure activities, Pat loved reading, doing puzzles, board games, croquet and badminton. She and her husband loved traveling in their RV and riding their motorcycle. Because Ralph enjoyed taking her flying, she took lessons so she would know how to land a plane in case of an emergency.

Pat is survived by her children Christine (Bud) Melton; Susan Stup; Ginger (Chip) McDaniel and Jonathan (Karen) Jump. She is also survived by her grandchildren Scott (Christie); Melissa (Chris); Katie (Travis); Holly (DJ); Brian (Kelsey); Brandon; Emily (Tony; Sarah (Aaron); James (Nicole); Ashley (William); and Adam. She leaves behind 20 deeply loved great grandchildren.

Pat was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, Ralph; their son James R. Jump and his wife, Debbie; four sisters, Barbara Ann Calhoun; June Arlene Parsons; Margaret Holleger and Martha E. Wilcutts; two brothers, James Donald Elliott and William R. Elliot. She was also preceded in death by two grandchildren, Michelle and Jonathan.

Her family says that Pat’s warm and gracious spirit touched many lives. She truly embodied every single fruit of the Spirit – Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, Goodness and Self Control (Galatians 5:22-23). Her children will always remember the endless sacrifice and devotion to her family given so freely and joyfully.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, June 13 at 1 PM at Living Hope Fellowship Church, 13848 Staytonville Road, Greenwood. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Delaware Hospice, 630 Churchmans Road, Newark DE 19702.

“Death is not extinguishing the light; it is only putting out the lamp because the dawn has come.” Rabindranath Tagore.