Willie U.S.A.F. Jr.

On February 17, 1947, the Patriarch of the Jones family was born. Willie Cephas Jones, Jr. (his father’s namesake) was born to father, Southern Baptist Willie Cephas Jones Sr. and mother, Christian Methodist Eloise Lee, both of whom were from Camden and Lugoff, South Carolina. Willie came from a large family that consisted of five siblings, Ella, Minnie, Elease, James Jones “JT”, and baby sister, Barbara. Willie, (who was affectionately called “Bill”) was raised from very early in life with strong Christian family morals and values. Most important of these was the responsibility of parenting. Bill understood that food must be kept on the table, clothes on everyone’s back and a roof over the family’s heads. In retrospect, as we, Willie’s kids find humor in some of the lifestyle of the Old South such as eating the racoon and possum that Willie Sr. hunted, we still respect it. We fully understand that despite the socio-economic hardships, our grandparents instilled in their offspring the necessity to provide for their family. As highlighted in this Memorial, you will see how these valuable lessons continued throughout our upbringing. After graduating from Camden High School around 1966, Willie moved to New Jersey to live with his aunt and uncle. There he worked several small jobs such as being a caddy on golf courses. That is however, until he realized that he had a greater purpose in life and returned to his home town. After witnessing so many of his high school colleagues falling into a life of crime, drugs, and alcohol addiction, Willie knew God had much greater intentions for him. He bore witness to many residents of his hometown returning in flag-draped caskets as the Vietnam War was taking its toll. Willie himself enlisted in the United States Air Force and his draft number came up on the very same day! The United States Marines tried drafting him, but to no avail. Willie was indeed called by God for greater things! Willie served the United States Government with distinction for thirty years as a Logistics and Support Technician, twenty in active duty, and ten years inactive duty. He served 2 tours of duty in Korea (which he hated because of the food and the cold weather), 1 tour of duty in Okinawa, 1 tour in Thailand (his absolute favorite), Guam, the Philippines, and a very short stint in Vietnam. After having been enlisted for several years and establishing a permanent Tour of Duty at Lowry Air Force Base, he met someone who would change his life forever. Willie had heard of a beautiful red-boned Sista who his friend wanted him to meet. After a few days of arrangements, Bill finally agreed to meet this young lady named Teresa Darline Stroud at the Non-Commissioned Officers Club on Lowry. He was immediately drawn to Teresa and the two became fast friends. Shortly thereafter, the two fell in love and were married at Bethel Christ Holiness by Pastor Fritz Russell. The beautiful Darline wore a canary yellow wedding dress and had her sister and best friend Myra Williams by her side as her Bridesmaid. Meanwhile Willie, in his most glorious 1970’s style afro wore an all-white tuxedo, with his Best Man, Stanley Gaddis at his side with his own mini afro. Teresa would become his devoted wife, best friend, and personal confidante’. To this union, six children would be born. They lovingly recall that from an early age, mother and father instilled in them a sense of cultural pride and a Christian lifestyle. Much like Willie’s upbringing, this was manifested in the richness and cultural significance of the soul food meals the family shared, the old-school R&B songs that played on the 8 track and record players, attendance at church, and in- home bible studies taught by none other than “Daddy” himself. What will be most remembered about Willie was that he was a very hardworking man. Anyone who knew him understood this without any doubt. He usually maintained at least 2 jobs (sometimes 3) even during his enlistment in United States Air Force. Even with this, he somehow, some way always managed to spend quality time with his family. Around 1988-1989, Willie affirmed his faith as he had been led by Christ. Under the tutelage and spiritual guidance of the Honorable Lois “Mother” Williams, Willie Jones accepted his calling of Evangelist and Prophet. The Lord and Savior worked through Prophet Jones as he performed his Christian duties at various churches throughout Colorado, including Fishers of Men Fellowship under Senior Pastor Josephine Falls, The House Of Joy Miracle Deliverance Church INC under the late Senior Pastor Ralph Beechum and First Lady Caroline Beechum, New Bethel (formerly Bethel Christ Holiness) under Senior Pastor Stanley Gaddis and First Lady Christine Gaddis, and lastly at New Beginnings under Apostle Lewis and Prophetess Ramona Brown. Master Sergeant Willie C. Jones honorably retired from the United States Air Force in 1988, after serving a total of 30 years. Soon after he began his employment at Raytheon, one of the leading defense contractors in the United States. No stranger to hard work, during these years he also worked as a janitor in the evenings. After a few years at Raytheon, Willie grew tired of working for the government and went into the private sector at Whole Foods Warehouse. He would remain there until his health prevented him from doing so and he was declared disabled by the Social Security Administration around the year 2000. Willie is preceded in death by his son, Trumaine Demond Jones; his sisters, Ella Lyons, Minnie Gray and Elease Bradford; and his brother, James “JT” Jones. On the morning of May 7, 2018, God called Prophet and Retired Master Sergeant Willie Cephas Jones from labor to reward. Those left to cherish him in memory are his loving and devoted wife, Teresa Darline Jones; his children Trent Jones, Teckla (Vincent) Brown, Terrial Jones, Travis Jones, and Terrance (Sheila) Jones; grandchildren, Haley Davis, Jaison Sweetwine, Therrian Jones, Theresa”Sissy” Jones, Trevares Jones, Jordan Jones, Isaiah “Zeke” Jones, Genesis Jones, Syrus Jones, Fulani “Elease” Jones, Tevye’ Jones, Tevin Jones, Mary Jones, Terrance Jones Jr., Eliana Jones, and Vincent Brown, Jr.; great grandchildren, Taiden Jones, Taelyn Jones, Ethan Jones, and Farrah Davis, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell - 843 West 100th Place Northglenn, Colorado
Visitation: 5/15/2018 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 5/16/2018 at 10:00 AM - House of Joy Miracle Deliverance Church - 3082 Leyden Street, Denver, Colorado
Cemetery: 5/16/2018 at 1:30 PM - Ft. Logan National Cemetery - 4400 W. Kenyon Ave., Denver, CO
Family Gathering: 5/16/2018 - House of Joy Miracle Deliverance Church - 3082 Leyden Street, Denver, Colorado