Gilbert E. Jones

Gilbert E. Jones Jr., 96, of Georgetown, Texas, formerly of Aurora, WI passed away peacefully on Monday, October 8, 2018 in Georgetown, TX. He was born on March 28, 1922, the firstborn of nine children from the marriage of Gilbert E. Jones, Sr. and Lou Alma Jones. Gilbert served his country by joining the U.S. Army during World War II. He spent time at Fort Polk in New Orleans before his deployment overseas to England, France and Belgium. Gilbert said his best memory of his time in the Army was when President Harry S. Truman desegregated the troops, which earned his abiding admiration for President Truman. Gilbert’s tradition of military service was passed on to his sons, Gilbert III and Leondo, and he inspired the next generation of four Jones grandsons: Joshua Jones and Caleb Jones – Army; Jacob Jones and Jared Jones – Air Force; and Zack Jones – Marines. Gilbert felt honored and privileged to go on the “Honor Flight” to Washington D.C., which included a side trip to the Martin Luther King Memorial for the three African Americans in attendance. After WWII, Gilbert enrolled in the bricklayer apprentice program and advanced to become a bricklayer, following in his father’s footsteps. Gilbert worked on numerous homes, high-rise apartments, churches, hospitals and other public buildings in the Detroit area. He also helped build the Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center building in Iron Mountain, along with working on many businesses, homes and fireplaces in the local area. When Gilbert moved his family from Detroit to Northern Wisconsin, he assumed various positions at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Iron Mountain, spending most of his time as purchasing director until he retired. Restless in retirement, he joined the US Forestry Department and worked until he was persuaded by his family to retire again. For many decades, the Joneses were the only black family in a rural, predominantly white environment. As a measure of his intellect and respect in the community, Gilbert was frequently asked by organizations during the turbulent ’60s and ’70s to speak at key events on matters of race relations and other important topics. Gilbert said his proudest achievement was having the courage to move his immediate family from the inner city of Detroit to rural Wisconsin in the early 1960s, which he said provided a “new beginning” and a better chance in life. Gilbert and Janice moved to Texas in 2003, where he resided until his death on Oct. 8, 2018. From his first marriage to Edna Louise Bright (deceased), they were blessed with two children: Theresa McLemore and Gilbert Jones III. His marriage of 38 years to Florence Jones blessed them with 14 children: Nolan Jones (deceased), Clifton Jones, Lester Jones, Terrill Jones, Leondo Jones, (Mark) Ben Kai Emmanuel, Gloria Brooks, Naomi Polley, Irma Jones, (Stephen) Tsadakeeyah Emmanuel, Patricia Johnson (deceased), Michael Jones, Travis Jones, and Van Jones. Gilbert is survived by his wife of 33 years, Janice Jones. He was step-father to Janice’s two daughters: Jacci Clawson and Lisa Plank. He is survived by twin siblings: Barbara Seay and Ann Halmon and a sister, Alice Strawbridge. He is survived by 32 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and an abundance of cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews located throughout the country. He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings: Robert “Chubby” Jones, Ambrose “Lester” Jones, Elder William “Buddy” Jones, Rose Frederick and Leondo “Sonny” Jones. He leaves this life as a loving father and husband, a man of God and member of the Seventh-Day Adventist faith who aspires to see us all when the “new beginning” of eternal life unfolds in Heaven. The family wishes to extend thanks to all who communicated their love and support, especially during Gilbert’s final time of need. Friends may call Friday, October 26 from 12:00 pm (noon) until 1:00 pm at the Iron Mountain Community Church of Seventh-Day Adventists, Pine Mountain Road, Iron Mountain. A Celebration of Life will be at 1:00 p.m. at the church with Pastor James Nephew officiating. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 pm at the Homestead-Aurora Cemetery in Aurora, WI. The Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50 will accord full Military Honors. Following the services at the cemetery, there will be a gathering with luncheon served at the Community Room at Evergreen Assisted Living in Kingsford. Condolences may be expressed online to the family of Gilbert E. Jones at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the funeral arrangements.

Gilbert E. Jones

March 28, 1922 - October 8, 2018