WACO, Texas (KWTX) – Former Baylor guard Melissa Jones, a fan favorite who played for the Lady Bears from 2008-11 and later joined the Baylor volleyball team for the 2012 season, has died, her family confirmed. She was 36.
Jones died Friday at her home in Commerce City, Colorado, her mother, Kathy Jones, confirmed to KWTX. A cause of death has not been released. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Kathy Jones said her daughter’s time at Baylor remained a source of joy and pride.
“She was my most treasured gift from God along with her 3 brothers,” Kathy said.
Kathy said Melissa loved Baylor.
Baylor’s Melissa Jones is seen before the start of an NCAA college basketball game against Texas A&M in the championship game at the Big 12 Conference women’s tournament on Saturday, March 12, 2011, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) (Jeff Roberson | AP)
“It was the time of her life. She has so many fond memories and made so many beautiful friends there, and she’d kept up with so many over the years. It’s a beautiful thing,” she said.
Kathy added that her daughter maintained a close relationship with former Baylor women’s basketball coach and now Head LSU Women’s Coach Kim Mulkey.
“She loved Coach Mulkey. Melissa had an exceptional relationship with her,” she said. “Kim had a special place in her heart for Melissa, and Melissa always had a very special place in her heart.”
Mulkey told KWTX Melissa was a player she’ll never forget who left her mark on the program, the community and her as a coach.
“Melissa Jones left her mark on Baylor University, not just women’s basketball. She was loved by the entire Waco community. Everything she did for us was full speed,” Mulkey said. “She played the game the way every player should—always had energy, played hard, and was a great leader. Her teammates respected her because she represented everything—her effort, her caring, her knowledge and her toughness were unmatched. She was the “glue” that kept the team together good times and bad.”
Baylor guard Melissa Jones (5) during an NCAA basketball game against Minnesota Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)(Tony Gutierrez | AP)
In an obituary written by her family, Jones was remembered as a “bright light” who built a life in Colorado while maintaining close ties to Waco.
“Waco, Texas also became a second home to Melissa and played a significant role in her life and accomplishments,” the obituary said.
Melissa Nicole Jones was born Aug. 22, 1989, in Riverside, California, to Katherine Jones and William Jones Jr., according to the obituary. She later made her home in Colorado.
She is survived by her mother; her grandmothers, Martha Kimball and Carolyn Jones; and her brothers, Matthew Jones, Mark Jones and Michael Jones, as well as nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Wally Kimball and William Jones Sr., and her father, William Jones Jr.
“Melissa lived a life full of accomplishments—too many to list—but clearly reflected in the countless lives she touched,” the obituary said. “Known for her warmth and radiant spirit, Melissa was a bright light to all who had the privilege of knowing her.”
Copyright 2026 KWTX. All rights reserved.
