Brett Leighton Jones

Brett Leighton Jones, 25, passed away on March 25, 2025 at his home in John’s Creek, with his loving mother, father, and sister at his side. 

Brett was born in Atlanta on September 27, 1999 to parents Robert L. Jones and Paula McEnroe Jones, and grew up with his older sister, Alex, in Peachtree Corners. He graduated from Norcross High School in 2017 and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Geoscience from Georgia State University. In college he developed passions for geology, rock-climbing, and backpacking. He found community through his employment with the GSU outdoor recreation department, becoming certified in wilderness first aid and leading groups in outdoor activities. Brett took a great interest in southeastern geology and discovered many interesting hikes, climbs, campsites, and caves in the region. Brett was pursuing a Master’s degree in Geology with a fellowship at the University of Southern Mississippi at the time of his passing. 

Brett was sixteen years old when he developed a rare form of melanoma. He underwent surgery while still in high school, and after recovery went on to graduate with a scholarship to GSU. He pressed on with his education and his joy of life through multiple recurrences in subsequent years. His maturity and compassion were apparent to most everyone he met, although few realized the challenges he faced. Brett fought cancer bravely and gracefully, never allowing it to stop him from pursuing the life he wanted. Brett found great meaning in good music, good stories, good campfires, and good company. He took up tennis in the last years of his life, playing in singles leagues and bringing his grateful Dad out of a long hiatus from the court. Brett’s innate capacity for happiness makes his loss all the harder to bear for those who shared our lives with him. 

For his parents and sister, loving Brett was—and is—the easiest thing in the world. We will always be inspired by him. Brett will also be missed by his grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles, and friends. He leaves behind a remarkable rock collection, lots of field notes, and many good memories.