Eddie V. Jones, Sr.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

On Monday, May 6, 2019 God’s angels descended from Heaven to carry Eddie V. Jones Sr. to his eternal home. His earthly journey in life began on June 22, 1943 in Newton County, Mississippi, the son of Essie Mae and Walter Mack Jones.

Eddie was a graduate of North Gulfport High School. Shortly after receiving his diploma he relocated to Saginaw, Michigan. He began employment with General Motors where he was a faithful employee for 38 years. He later met the love of his life and best friend, Joyce Ann Smith. Eddie truly adored her and would write love letters professing his love. They were joined in holy matrimony on July 20, 1968. From this union they were blessed with two children, Sharise and Eddie II.

Eddie loved the Lord and his favorite scripture was John 3:16. He was a faithful member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church for 50 years, currently under the leadership of Pastor Vincent McMillon where he served on the usher board. After retirement he rejoined the workforce as a funeral attendant for Paradise Funeral Chapel where he enjoyed working alongside his son-in-law, Ivan Phillips.

Eddie loved traveling with his wife, fishing, motorcycling, playing cards and dominos. He especially loved spending time with his family. He adored his children and grandchildren. Eddie’s latest joy was Face-timing with his great-grandson, Kingston. Eddie was a proud man who walked tall and held his head high. With a peaceful demeanor, he always had kind and encouraging words to share. Eddie had a smile that would lighten the darkest of days. His presence and that wonderful smile will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He leaves to celebrate his legacy his loving and devoted wife, Joyce Ann Jones; children, Sharise (Ivan) Steele-Phillips and Eddie V. (Curtina) Jones II; three grandchildren, Zachary Steele, Sydnee Steele and Eddie V. Jones III; one great-grandson, Kingston Steele; four sisters, Mary Jean Jimerson and Angie Stewart both of Gulfport, Mississippi, Frankie Williams of Gary, Indiana and Eunice (Frank) Earle of Spartanburg, South Carolina; three brothers, Walter (Cora) Jones of Gulfport, Mississippi, Mitchell (Edna) Jones of Saginaw, Michigan and J.D. Jones of Gulfport, Mississippi; god-children, Rhonda Johnson, Kimya, Natocki and Kenda McKinnon, Rodrick Pritchett, Brandon Carr and Taylor Johnson; sisters-in-law, Carol (Robert) Kelly of Hooks, Texas, Elvia Mills, Phyllis Sharper and Alesia Richardson all of Saginaw, Michigan; brothers-in-law, William (Alma) Duke and Randall Rivers, both of Saginaw, Michigan; many other relatives and friends.

Awaiting Eddie in Heaven is his parents, Walter and Essie Mae Jones, brothers, Joseph, Willie and David Jones, sisters, Mattie and Janie Jones, mother-in-law, Mattie B. Orr, sister-in-law, Leanna Jones, brothers-in-law, John Sharper, Keith Richardson, Anthony Stewart and Andrew Williams.

The family wishes to express special thanks to Dr. Binu Malhotra and staff, Pastor Vincent and 1st Lady Gwendolyn McMillon, St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church family, New Covenant Christian Center Church family and everyone who offered prayers, kind words and condolences.