Peta-Gaye Jones, A Life Taken Too Soon

On July 29th, 2023, Peta-Gaye Jones, beloved daughter, sister, partner, and mother, was violently murdered in the Coral Gardens area of Jamaica. She was just 35 years old and had recently earned her master’s degree in Human Resources Management. She was an anchor for her family and was known as a vibrant, hardworking, intelligent, generous, and sweet natured person to her friends. She leaves behind a 9-year-old son who was tragically robbed of the privilege to reach life’s milestones with his loving mother at his side.

Many within the Buffalo, NY organizing space will have met Peta Gaye’s brother Leighton Jones, who remains a valuable member of Buffalo’s progressive political community. Although no family deserves to experience the grief of a life stolen, Leighton is wholly undeserving of such pain and heartbreak. He has overcome many struggles thus far in life, and despite those struggles, chose a life of service to others. He is a staunch advocate for immigrants and New Americans through his career as a caseworker, and through his healthcare studies. Beyond this, he spends his free time championing issues of social inequity within the City of Buffalo.

Peta-Gaye was Leighton’s person. Born exactly 10 years and 1 day apart, she was not only a sister and a best friend, but a mentor. They shared the same love of life and people, and even had the same laugh. The impact of her loss on the Jones family and the Montego Bay community cannot be understated.

Peta-Gaye's life was taken senselessly, and in death, she was treated with indignity. Even more tragically, the Jones family will incur financial struggles as a result of her murder. Paying for a daughter’s autopsy is an expense no mother should ever fathom, but that is unfortunately the reality of the Jamaican criminal justice system. In addition to funeral expenses, Leighton and his family will incur additional expenses to keep themselves and the ones they love safe through this difficult time. And most overwhelmingly, the family now must raise a 9-year-old child while simultaneously mourning the death of his mother.

Many of those reading this will have been touched by Peta-Gaye, Leighton, or both. To know them is to love them. Please join us in helping to take the financial burden from Peta-Gaye’s family so that they may grieve her in peace. Any size donation is gratefully accepted.

Lastly, the family has received hundreds of concerned messages, calls, and texts. Speaking about Peta-Gaye at this time is not only overwhelming but immensely painful, which has made it difficult for them to reply to every message. They are grateful for the love and support of community and friends and appreciate the patience of those to whom they have yet to respond. Please rest assured that they are safe and surrounded by a strong network of loved ones.