Vondalette S. Jones

VONDALETTE PLAYER-JONES, a beloved daughter, mother and cherished member of the Baltimore community, passed away on March 6, 2026, at the age of 62. Born on January 3, 1964, in Baltimore, Maryland. Vondalette spent her life surrounded by family, friends, and a community that she touched deeply with her kindness and warmth. Born to Isabella Shanks and Thomas Chalk, Vondalette was raised in East Baltimore, where she built a life rooted in love, compassion, and dedication to others. She completed her education, graduating from Baltimore City Public Schools at Lake Clifton High School. She was known for her generous spirit and genuine care she showed to everyone she met. Those who knew her will always remember her as loving, caring and giving -someone who never hesitated to open her heart or home to others. Vondalette was a proud and devoted mother to her three children Anthony Player,Monae Nichols and Keirstan Barnes. Her children were the center of her world, and she took great pride in supporting and guiding them throughout their lives. She dedicated more than 30 years of service to Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she began and ended her career. Her commitment, hard work and compassion for others made a lasting impact on colleagues and many people whose lives she touched through her work. Outside of her career, Vondalette found great joy in cooking, dancing and bringing family together, she loved hosting gatherings filled with laughter, food and music - moments that created lasting memories for everyone around her. Her home was always a place of comfort, celebration and love. She also had a special love for children and was known for the gentle, nurturing way she cared for them. Vondalette Player-Jones will be remembered for her beautiful spirit, her warm smile and the unconditional love she shared with family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed, but her legacy of love, kindness and generosity will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure and she will forever be loved beyond words. Vondalette leaves to cherish her memory: her parents, mother Isabella Shanks and stepfather who raised her and who she knew as “Daddy” Horace Shanks; son, Anthony Player; daughters, Monae Nichols and Keirstan Barnes; son-in-law, Tavian Nichols; seven grandchildren, Savannah Gant, Reginald Jones, Ranaysia Jones, Raquelle Jones,Jayce Johnson, Payton Thompson and Malia Gorham; three great-grandchildren,A’cyri Gant-Pleasant, A’carion Gant-Pleasant and Honesty Jones; three brothers, Kevin Shanks, Horace Shanks and Lannie Shanks; four sisters, Amy Davis, Stacey Chalk, Kelley Chalk-Jones, Tania Shanks; amazing sister-in-law, Mellissa Shanks; eight nieces whom she loved as daughters, Jasmin Daniels, Alyssa McCullough, Kazzmen Shanks, Anyia Shanks, Kayla Shanks, Kaylyn Shanks, Destinee Daniels-Fields and Tae’lor Shanks; nephew, Kenneth Hyman Jr.; four great-nieces and -nephews, Kalie Walker, Karsyn Hyman, Sy’Aye McCullough and Elias McCullough; a beloved first cousin, best friend and sister, Marcella Rush; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and her Johns Hopkins Hospital family.

Tributes

Vondalette S. Jones

January 3, 1964 - March 6, 2026