Shirley Patricia Jump

Shirley Patricia Jump departed this life on April 25, 2026. She was born June 3, 1928 in Houston, Delaware, the oldest daughter of James A. Elliott and Margaret E. (Messick) Elliott.

Pat attended Houston School, grades 1 thru 8. She attended Milford High School and was a member of the graduating class of 1946.

Following graduation, she was employed as a secretary at the Libby, McNeil & Libby plant in Houston until her marriage to Ralph L. Jump, Jr. on October 4, 1947. She moved with her husband to the Jump family farm in Williamsville, Delaware, where they were engaged in farming throughout their lifetime.

She was a member of the Houston Methodist Church and, in earlier years, a member of the church choir.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, 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. Elliott and two grandchildren, Michelle and Jonathan.

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

Pat was an amazing cook and baker and loved family times gathered around the table. Her family enjoyed the delicious vegetables and fruits from the garden that was her pride and joy. She was an excellent seamstress and made many of her children’s clothes. Her mother died when Pat was only 10 and being the oldest girl, she soon learned to excel at all the aforementioned skills.

Leisure activities included reading, doing puzzles, board games, croquet and badminton. She and Ralph also loved traveling in their RV or on 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.

Her 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, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Living Hope Fellowship Church, 13848 Staytonville Rd., Greenwood, DE 19950.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Delaware Hospice, 630 Churchmans Rd., Newark DE 19702

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

Rabindranath Tagore