HOMEGOING CELEBRATION
WILLIE ANDREW JONES DECEMBER 25, 1949 - JANUARY 3, 2019
SERVICE SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 2019, 12NOON GREATER HOPE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 2660 SPOTTSWOOD AVE. MEMPHIS TN, 38114 DR. DANNIE D. HOLMES, OFFICIATING
Reflections Willie Andrew Jones 69, affectionately known as “Will Andra” or “Jones”, entered eternal rest on January 3, 2019, at his residence in Memphis Tennessee. Will Andra was born on December 25, 1949, in Byhalia, Mississippi to the late Connie B. Jones Sr. and Ethel DeBerry-Jones. He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and joined Union Valley Missionary Baptist Church. He would later join Greater Hope Missionary Baptist Church where he attended faithfully and served on the board of trustees. Will Andra attended Henry High School until he enlisted in the United States Army in 1969. He served as a Medic in the Vietnam War. He also held various positions such as Drill and R.O.T.C. Instructors and Logistics Specialist until he retired in 1991. He then worked as a Mail Handler for the United States Postal Services, in which he served as a Union Representative until he retired in 2007. After retirement, Will Andra enjoyed outdoor recreational activities and playing computer games. Most of all he enjoyed family functions. Will Andra was joined in holy matrimony to Mary C. Jones, in which two children were born. He later married his former wife, Lisa A. Jones. Will Andra's memories are left to be cherished by his three children: Gerald (Marilyn) Jones of Cordova, TN, Christopher (Lorraine) Howell of Bardstown, KY, and Vickie Jones (Bryan Brown) of Murfreesboro, TN; one step-daughter: Latonya Richardson of Memphis, TN; three brothers: Lee (Beluah) DeBerry of Byhalia, MS, Casey Jones of Memphis, TN, and Floyd Jones Holly Springs, MS; four sisters: Jewel Anderson and Bessie Jones-Wilson of Memphis, TN, Autry Jones and Jennifer Jones both of Holly Springs, MS; one aunt: Betty DeBerry of Bronx, New York; one uncle: Thelma DeBerry (Alfreda) of Byhalia, MS; three grandchildren: Sherrika Howell, Branden Jones and Kolby Jones; two step-grandchildren: Torian Garner and Tionne Garner and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives. Willie Andrew was preceded in death by his five brothers: Willie James Byrd, Connie B Jones Jr., Louis Jean Jones, Emmit Jones, and Garret Lynn Jones; one sister: Elwiley Hill Griffin.
ORDER OF SERVICE MUSICAL PRELUDE PROCESSIONAL CLOSING AND SEALING OF THE CASKET MUSICAL SELECTION.........................GREATER HOPE MBC CHOIR PRAYER...............................................REV. DR. JUDY CUMMINGS NEW COVENANT CHRISTIAN CHURCH OLD TESTAMENT.......................................REV. CALVIN RAYBURN LIBERTY HILL BAPTIST CHURCH NEW TESTAMENT.............................ELDER GEORGE FREEMAN III LIFEWAY ADT MUSICAL SELECTION............................................MAGGIE WELLS WORDS OF COMFORT.................................ELDER CHRISTY RUSS BRENTWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH MUSICAL SELECTION......................................CATHY RAWLS AND GREATER HOPE MBC CHOIR REFLECTIONS – 3 MINUTES, PLEASE. LEE DEBERRY - BROTHER SAULE WHEELER - FRIEND AND NEIGHBOR SANDRA PERRY - EXTENDED FAMILY RESOLUTION.................................................GREATER HOPE MBC ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.............................DR. MICHELLE D. STEELE SILENT READING OF THE OBITUARY MUSICAL SELECTION........................BERNETTE "BOM BOM" BLAIR EULOGY....................................................DR. DANNIE D. HOLMES GREATER HOPE MBC RECESSIONAL
REMAINS WILL NOT BE VIEWED FOLLOWING THE SERVICE
"AT EASE, SOLDIERS", DON'T WORRY, I'M STILL BY YOURÂ SIDE. A Message From Heaven, Perhaps you aren't ready yet to have to say good-bye... Perhaps you've thought of things you wish you'd said---well, so have I. For one thing, I'd have told you not to worry about me... I'm with the Lord in Heaven now--you knew that's where I'd be. I'm sorry that you're feeling sad. for I'm so happy now... I've asked the Lord to ease the hurt and comfort you somehow. It's hard at the beginning, but I know you'll make it through I hope it helps to know that I'm here waiting for you. Love, Dad
Tributes Dad
Daddy, you were an extraordinary man with amiable nature and will truly be missed. We received many precious things from you over the years; your kindness, sense of humor, respect, and most importantly, your love. We will always remain grateful for the guidance that you gave us. Thank you for being there when we needed you. Thank you for every single day. We have been blessed with sons of our own and we appreciate how much you loved your grandsons and us. It is difficult to say farewell Dad, but we know God needed you back. The joy in your smile and the good times we shared will bring us comfort. There will always be a void in our lives now that you are gone, but we are thankful for the times that God gave us together. Thank you for being our Dad. We will always love you. Love, Gerald and Marilyn
Father, you tried so hard to hold on but God was calling you home. He needed another angel to help pour out the rain. Tears have fallen, hearts are broken, but it was time for you to fly home. We thank God for the priceless times we spent together. We thank you for sharing your wisdom, prayers, and words of encouragement. We know you are at peace in Heaven and free of pain. We will miss you father and we love you dearly. Love, Chris and Lorraine
Tributes Dad Daddy, you've fought a great fight being a part of GOD’s army. Your battle is now over, and in my heart, I can feel your arms around me. You are now standing at GOD’s great door. For your work is done, and you don’t have to labor anymore I still don’t really understand why this had to happen to you, but I am so proud to say you are my dad, the greatest man I ever knew I remember the great times we have shared, watching movies like Cadillac Records, and going to concerts to see Kool and the Gang and the Temptations Review. Oh, daddy how much I miss you You have always been there for me no matter how far You had even been there for me buying my first house and car Although, you will not be here to walk me down the aisle When April 19th comes, I know you will be right by my side with your big heartwarming smile As a strong man and dad, I never had seen you cry But on the day GOD had called you home, tears had filled my eyes I can never repay you for the sacrifices you made for me, Chris, and Gerald Don’t worry dad, you taught us well and because of you we can conquer the world Now when you get your wings and all the Angels sing If you look down upon me and see me about to cry, Spread your wings wide and hold me close to dry my eyes I will forever feel you deep in my heart, our love will never part If anyone sees me crying, it’s because GOD called my daddy home -Written on behalf of Vickie by Ivan RuthLove, Vickie "Shawna" and Bryan
Tributes Grandaddy Granddad, you are special and your love knows no bounds. You said I was beautiful and talented and maybe even wise, grandparents see through loving eyes. Your phone calls and texts were so special to me. I am so grateful for your time. Of all the grandparents in the world I’m thankful that you’re mine. Your Granddaughter, Sherrika Denise
Granddad You were one of the most protective person that we knew who lived a wonderful loving life. You had many ups and downs in your life, but it never stopped you from working hard and spending time with us. We appreciate all the love and support you provided. You were always there cheering us on at every baseball/basketball game as well as our school activities. The most precious moment that we will cherish forever is spending time with you every Christmas morning opening gifts, enjoying breakfast, and celebrating your birthday. Granddad, thank you for all the encouraging words that you gave us throughout the years. We will miss you. Love Always, Your grandsons Branden and Kolby
Tributes Brother When tomorrow starts without me, And I am not there to see, If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled up with tears for me, I know how much you love me, As much as I love you, And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too. So when tomorrow starts without me, Don't think we're far apart. For every time you think of me, I am right here in your heart. Love you, Brother Lee, Jewel, Bessie, Autry, Jennifer, and Floyd
Uncle To our lovely Uncle Willie Jones, We remember when we were small and you were kind and strong. You really haven’t changed a bit, as life has moved along. We knew that you were thoughtful, and today you’re still the same. You're always helping others, and that has never changed. You have always been right there for us, in good times and bad times. You are a very special uncle, as special as can be, more than that a friend. As we lay you to rest, you have been a cherished uncle to us. We love you always, Your Nieces and Nephews
Acknowledgements The family of Willie A. Jones wishes to express our sincere appreciation to all of who have supported us during this time. Words cannot express our gratitude and love that we have for the many family members, friends, co-workers, and church members who have showered us with their love, prayers, and encouragement. We especially would like give thanks to Lisa A. Jones and Mary C. Jones for their unconditional love, and being there for him whether he had good or bad days. In addition, we would like to give a special thanks to the doctors, nurses, emergency medical technicians, and medical staff that have treated him over the years. Lastly, appreciation is extended to Greater Hope Baptist Church for their hospitality and love. Again, we say thank you and ask that God continues to bless each and everyone.
Active Pallbearers Honorary Pallbearers Gerald Jones Christopher Howell Lee DeBerry Casey Jones Floyd Jones Dwight Sanders
Branden Jones Kolby Jones Torion Garner Carl Hill, Sr. Corey DeBerry Jessie Jones
Interment West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery 4000 Forest Hill Irene Rd Memphis, TN 38125 January 14, 9:30 am
Repast Arrangements Greater Hope MBC Immediatley after the service
Harrison's Memorial Chapel, Inc. 3320 Millbranch Road Memphis, TN 38116 Phone: (901) 452-733