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Ernest Jones Sr., 91, of Suffolk, passed away on Sept. 19, 2020, in Suffolk, VA.

Mr. Jones was born in Nansemond County to the late Ovella Hawkins Stephenson and James Jordan on April 29, 1929. He also spent a great deal of time with his beloved Godmother, Mrs. Victoria Jordan. He was married to the late Josephine Dixon Jones. From that union were born nine children.

He began his education in the Nansemond County Public Schools. He left school at an early age to help provide for his family. Mr. Jones enlisted in the United States Army on March 23, 1951, and served as a Corporal, seeing combat during the Korean Conflict, all while continuing to help provide for his mother and younger brother. Mr. Jones was honorably discharged from the Army on Dec. 26, 1952. In civilian life, Mr. Jones was a master brick mason. His work can be seen in many homes and businesses in Suffolk and the surrounding areas. After many years, Mr. Jones retired from brick masonry. 

As a child, Mr. Jones joined and was a faithful member of Balm of Gilead Baptist Church. Mr. Jones accepted the Lord later in life, having been influenced by the Godly witness of his beloved wife “Josie”. He joined New Paul’s Temple Holiness Church of Deliverance, where he was faithful in attendance until his health prevented him.     

Mr. Jones was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Josephine Rachel Dixon Jones, and his brothers Willie Thomas Jones, James Jordan Jr.,

and Sylvester Jones. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved nine children, Tony Allen Jones (Terrie) of Raleigh, N.C.; Camilla Hunter (Gregory) of Portsmouth; Ernest Jones Jr. of Suffolk; Iris Regina Jones of Suffolk; Sheila Jones Bennett (Christian) of Waverly; William Jeffery Jones (Mary) of Suffolk; Clayton Jones (Sonya) of Las Vegas; Constance Jones Ruffin (Michael-deceased) of Suffolk; and Bridgett Jones Smith (Phillip) of Hagerstown, MD; one sister, Annie Bond of Atlanta and one sister-in-law, Margaret Jones, of Suffolk. Also remembering him with love are thirty-six grandchildren, sixty-eight great-grandchildren, seventeen great-great-grandchildren, one Goddaughter, Pamela Skinner, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends who are family, neighbors, and acquaintances.      

A wake will be held at Crocker Funeral Home on Wednesday, Sept. 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. A graveside service will be held at noon on Thursday, Sept. 24, at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery.