Playwright and Actor Jessie Jones, Co-Writer of 'Kingdom Come,' Passes Away at 75

Jessie Jones, a playwright and television actor, died on March 20 at the age of 75 following a prolonged illness. Her death occurred in Washington, D.C., as confirmed by an online obituary and her writing partner Jamie Wooten. Jones was known for her roles on series including 'Murphy Brown,' 'Melrose Place,' and 'Who's the Boss?' She co-founded the playwriting team Jones Hope Wooten with Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten, producing Southern-themed comedies such as 'The Sweet Delilah Swim Club' and 'Christmas Belles.' Born in the Texas Panhandle on August 21, 1950, Jones began in local theater in Austin after graduating from the University of Texas. She later moved to New York and Hollywood, shifting her focus to television appearances on shows like 'Designing Women' and 'Newhart.' In 2005, she returned to theater work, notably co-writing the off-Broadway play 'Dearly Departed,' which was adapted into the 2001 film 'Kingdom Come,' co-written with David Dean Bottrell. Jones is survived by sisters Ellen and Laura Jones, niece Margaret McCarthy, and nephews Tommy McCarthy, Todd Hyso, and Paul Hyso. Her family has requested donations to Planned Parenthood in her memory. Her career emphasized comedic writing and support for regional theaters.