Deacon Joseph Jones

Deacon Joseph Jones was born to Walter Jackson Jones and Willa Mae Lancaster on June 18, 1934 in Chambers County, Alabama. He was the seventh of eighteen children. Joseph confessed Christ at an early age and received his secular schooling in the public schools of Alabama.

On October 26, 1955 he was united in Holy Matrimony to Charlie Ruth Floyd. In 1956 they moved to Indianapolis, Indiana and to their union two children were born: Gary Lamar Jones and Felicia Ann Jones. He also was father to three other children, Melvin Williams, Ronnie Washington and Michael Lemon.

Joseph worked at Wreck’s Inc. after arriving in Indy. Then he was employed at Inter-State foundry and International Harvester for many years. He owned his own General Contracting Business. He retired in 1983.

Joseph was the Deacon at Beulah Baptist Church, Nazarene Missionary Baptist Church and most recently, Pathway Missionary Baptist Church for the last 7 years.

“OJay”, his CB radio handle for years, loved riding motorcycles and was a member, along with his brother John of the Rough Riders MC. He also loved cars! He prided himself as a very sharp dresser. He also loved playing and spending time with his grandson and great grandchildren. He loved talking to several of his nieces and nephews on Sunday mornings.

Deacon Joseph Jones departed this life on February 7, 2020. He is preceded in death by his wife, Charlie Ruth Jones; parents, Walter and Willa Mae Jones; daughter, Felicia Jones; brothers, Walter “Jaycee” Jones, John Allen Jones, Morris Jones, Robert Jones, Daniel Jones, Franklin Jones, Nathaniel Jones; sisters, Mary Winston Crump, Sallie Pearl Reed.

He leaves precious memories to be cherished by sons, Melvin Williams (Carla), Ronnie Washington (Helen), Rev. Gary L. Jones Sr. (Tamra) and Michael Lemon (Cynthia); brothers, Willie Calvin Jones (Trudy), William Henry Jones (Linda), Ronnie G. Jones (Patricia); sisters, Mabel Winston, Camilla Legg, Irene Mitchell, Zella Wadsworth, Virginia Jackson (Joe); and several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, loving family, and friends.