Hi, my name is Winter Jones. For those who may not know, my partner, Jamal Deloatch, of 6 years unexpectedly passed away on July 4th, 2025. We have a 4-year-old son who is about to start Pre-K at the end of August.

Last year, in January, Jamal and I bought our first home together. We did an amazing job paying our bills on time and saving until unexpectedly, in January, my hours at work started to be cut, and sometimes I would go weeks without work. This made it harder for us to make ends meet. During this time, I would spend hours every single day DoorDashing and Instacarting to help us get through, and during Jamal's last days with us, he worked overtime with one day off. Unfortunately, with Mal's passing, we have fallen even further behind in bills and are on the verge of losing everything we worked hard for, for our little family. On top of all this, I haven't been able to return to work since the day he passed due to grieving and trying to make sure I am focused enough to return with no benefits or pay. I was told to take all the time that I needed, and upon informing them I was ready to return, I was told that my job was filled, so I am currently without work. All proceeds will be going to bills such as mortgage, daycare, electric, water bill, car insurance (it lapsed yesterday), and phone bill. I appreciate each and every one of you who have already extended their help to us at this time.

We have had some loved ones who have reached out already to help get Kai school supplies, and we are beyond grateful. Any and every donation is greatly appreciated. Even a quick share.

Jamal's Obituary

In Loving Memory of Jamal Lashawn Deloatch

On Saturday, July 5, 2025, our beloved Jamal Lashawn Deloatch entered into eternal rest at his home in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. Affectionately known as “Mal” or “Mal Mal” by those closest to him, Jamal was born on Thursday, April 16, 1998, in Halifax County, NC, to Reginald Vurgia Deloatch and the late Lisa Linette Buffaloe.

Jamal lived a life marked by kindness, dedication, and unconditional love. He was raised in Northampton County, where he received his education and graduated with pride from Northampton County High School, Class of 2016. He continued his academic journey at Chowan University, embracing every opportunity for growth and learning.

A diligent and hardworking individual, Jamal held various professional roles throughout his life. He served nearly six years as a Team Lead/Supervisor at Walmart and was most recently employed as a Field Technician with Charter Spectrum. Whether at work or at home, Jamal brought excellence, consistency, and heart to everything he did, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he met, worked with, or shared life’s moments with.

Jamal was a “Real” Family Man, a provider, protector, and pillar of strength. If he wasn’t working to support his loved ones, he was joyfully immersed in their presence, whether at family gatherings, outings, or casual everyday moments. His unwavering commitment to his family and community was evident in every action and interaction.

Jamal discovered a deep love for video games, an outlet that brought him joy and connection. Through countless hours of gameplay, he built lasting bonds and meaningful friendships that stood the test of time and remained strong through life’s many seasons, even to the very end. He also enjoyed basketball and music. He created countless cherished memories with friends during late nights filled with laughter and creativity. Music, in particular, became a deeply personal outlet for Jamal; he often wrote and composed songs as a quiet yet powerful expression of his soul. He also enjoyed trying new restaurants, shopping, going to the movies, and, most of all, spending meaningful time with his family and close friends.

Jamal was the embodiment of warmth and light. With a gentle spirit and a heart full of compassion, he was a devoted father, a loving son and brother, and a trusted, loyal friend.

He is lovingly survived by his life partner and soulmate, Winter Jones, and their beloved son, Kai Jamal Deloatch, both of Roanoke Rapids, NC. He was the cherished son of Reginald V. Deloatch (Lisa Westbrook) of Conway, NC, and the late Lisa L. Buffaloe of Conway, NC. Jamal was the devoted brother of Justin Deloatch of Conway, NC; the adored grandson of his beloved grandparents, Hattie Deloatch and William Deloatch, also of Conway, NC; and the loyal and deeply valued friend of his lifelong best friend, Jonathan Bland.

Jamal also leaves behind a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, extended family members, coworkers, and friends, each of whom was deeply touched by his warmth, his presence, and the love he so freely gave.

Jamal’s legacy is one of love, hard work, and generosity. His laughter, his playfulness, and his quiet strength live on through his son and in the hearts of all who knew him. Though he is no longer with us physically, his light continues to shine, and his spirit remains a guiding presence in the lives he touched.

He will be missed beyond words, remembered always, and cherished forever.