“To everything, there is a season", and it is for this very reason that we celebrate the homegoing of Louis Jones, Sr.

Louis was born the seventh child of Levi and Lizzie Matlock Jones on November 1, 1923, in Antoine, AR. His siblings include Isaiah Jones, Celestine Jones Haislip, Ruthelle Jones Dickerson, Narvelle Jones, Edward Jones, Vernell Jones, Annie Jones Thomas, and Arlene “Jean” Brock Jones. With both of his grandparents as slaves, Louis often saw the turmoil and prejudice that they faced, and was determined to have a better way of life for himself and his children. He attended Rosenwald School in a one-room building. Though many days he had to walk to school in the rain and snow, he was determined to further his education.

He was an honor student through his completion of the 10th grade when he was forced to quit school to work in the fields to help his family war money to make ends meet. In his early adult years, he chose to join the United States Military and served many years in the Army. He traveled around the world, and was stationed in places such as New Guinea, and fought in historic battles such as WWII. After retiring from the Army, he met his wife of 64 years, Geneva McDaniel Jones, and they were united in marriage on May 15th, 1946. With this union, eight children would be born: Mose Rhymes, Jr., Joan Jones, Janice Jones Gentry, Edward Jones, Betty Jones, Darlene Jones Williams, Louis Jones, Jr., and Lenora Jones Turner.

Shortly after his military career ended, Louis began his life as a minister and has continued in the ministry for over 50 years now. One crucial factor in him choosing the ministry, besides his love for God, was that he had come from a family of preachers. He followed in the footsteps of his Uncle Jiles, Uncle Sam, and his own Father, Levi Jones, all of whom were preachers. Pastor Jones helped oversee the building and development of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Prescott, AR of which he was the Pastor there for many years. He also contributed to the growth of the Mt. Friendship Baptist Church in Curtis, AR until his retirement.

Meanwhile, during this time Louis also had a professional career. For many years he worked as a Millwright at the sawmill in Delight, AR, and was even commissioned to work as a Pike County Deputy Sheriff until December of 1968. But, his career climaxed when he was hired as the Maintenance Director at the Arkansas Children’s Colony in Arkadelphia, AR where he was a dedicated employee until his retirement in the late 1970s.

Pastor Jones was preceded in death by his wife and eight of his siblings. He leaves behind his children, Mose Rhymes (Martha), Joan Jones, Edward L. Jones (Janet),  Betty Jones, Darlene Williams (Avance), Louis F. Jones (Mary), and Lenora Philson (Robert); one bonus son, Gregory Jones; his sister, Ruthel Dickerson; brother-in-law, JC McDaniel (Imogene); sister-in-law, Callie McDaniel; 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.