Rev. Thomas Curtis Jones, Jr.

Rev. Thomas Curtis Jones, Jr., pastor, evangelist, and civic leader slept away peacefully on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 3:00 am surrounded by family. He was born on August 18, 1930 in Brunswick, Georgia to the late Thomas Curtis Jones, Sr., and late Elizabeth Burroughs Jones. He had two (2) siblings who preceded him in death, Gladys Sirmones and Lewis Jones.

He attended elementary school in Brunswick, Georgia and St. Augustine, Florida and completed the remaining of his education in Jacksonville, Florida. Upon completing high school, he was drafted to serve in the Korean War in the U.S. Army. To prepare for Christ’s work and continue his education, he attended Missionary African University Church where he became an ordained and licensed minister. In the early 60’s, he also attended Florida Junior Community College where he wanted to lead by example in pursuing college courses. He worked a variety of jobs after returning from Korea, including A&P Grocery Warehouse where he was hired as a forklift driver and advanced to the warehouse manager. As a manager, he learned of the injustice in wages and workplace environment for minority workers. This ultimately led him to resign as a manager and return to the warehouse floor to encourage workers to vote to have a union. After months of rallies, the A&P warehouse workers, under the guidance of Rev. Thomas Curtis Jones, Jr., became Teamster Union members. This courageous act transcended the workplace into a better environment with better wages and benefits.

Although he was ordained as a Baptist minister at a young age, while in Korea he joined the Seventh-day Adventist faith and continued his work as a Christian at Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church until he was called back into the Baptist missionary. He subsequently received a calling to serve as an Assistant Pastor at Mt. Herman Baptist Church under the leadership Rev. John Perry and Assistant Pastor at Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership Rev. Overstreet. He accepted the call to Pastor in 1977 at St. Timothy Missionary Baptist Prayer House where he continued his service for thirty (30) years until retirement. Throughout his tenure as an active pastor in the community, he became well known for his teaching and preaching, especially to young people and the undeserved communities. Hundreds of young people were led to follow Jesus through the ministry work of Rev. Thomas Curtis Jones, Jr. He was known to starting a praise service in the most unlikely places. Through God's grace, his bible studies and praise services expanded explosively, including prison ministry, senior citizen homes, and rehabilitation centers.

His civic and professional affiliations include Baptist Ministers Conference of Jacksonville, Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Jax, Jacksonville Ministerial Alliance, Florida General Baptist Convention, National Baptist Convention, Inc., and Emanuel Progressive Baptist Association. He was a mason in Modern Free Masons, advanced to Supreme Grand Master, and became a founding member of the Christian United Free and Accepted Masons. He was also a member of the NAACP. Rev. Thomas Curtis Jones, Jr. and Sister Doretha Cannion Jones were life donors at many HBCUs, including HBCUs that his children and grandchildren attended such as Alabama State University, Florida A&M University, Bethune-Cookman University, Florida Memorial University, Edward Waters College, and Spelman College.

Rev. Thomas Curtis Jones, Jr. and Sister Doretha Cannion Jones were married for sixty-three (63) years before she preceded him in death in 2019. Of this union, they raised fifteen (15) children: Curtis Lester, Sr., Vanzetta, Thomas Curtis, III (JoAnn), Julius (Marcia), Boaz (Edith), Carletha (Daniel), Timothy (Aretha), Marlow Leon (Elaine), and Novice Cassandra (George); Darrell, Pamela, and Tracey who are children of Sister Doretha Cannion Jones’ late sister, Julia Mae; and their grandchildren, Curtis Lester Jr., Carlvay, and Joanna. Rev. Thomas Curtis Jones, Jr. was preceded in death by Curtis Lester Sr., Vanzetta, Boaz, and Joanna. Along with his surviving children and grandchildren, he is survived by a host of great-grandchildren, great greatgrandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other loves ones.

Rev. Thomas Curtis Jones, Jr. had a lively spirit and loved to be around people. He has touched many lives through ministry, his jokes, and frequent visits. He had a strong character and presence that commanded attention in any room he entered. He loved his family and friends and would often visit when he was able and call when he was no longer able to travel around. Even when he was unable to call as much, he would always ask about all of his loved ones and wanted to know that they were doing well. He had a big heart and would take in anyone in need. He has opened his home to many loved ones over his lifetime. He was highly intelligent and maintained a sharp mind and quick wit even up until his last days. We will miss all of him and will never forget the countless memories.

He leaves to cherish his memories, wife of 63 Years, Sister Doretha Jones (deceased); children, Lester C. Jones, Sr., Vanzetta Jones (deceased), Dr. Thomas C. Jones, III (JoAnn), Pastor Julius C. Jones (Marcia), Boaz L. Jones (deceased) (Edith), Dr. Carletha E. Brinson (Daniel), Elder Timothy E. Jones, Sr. (Aretha), Marlow L. Jones (Elaine), Novice Cassandra Hester (George), Joanna Jones (deceased), Pamela Overstreet, Tracey Hawkins, and Darryl Hawkins; grandchildren, Curtis Lester Jones, Jr., Carlvay Jones, Nacole Jones, Jacole Jones, Juanita Jones, Jenna Jones, Thomas Jones, Lester Jones, Jennifer Harris (Andre), Joshua Grant (Willissa), Jartshire Garrett (John), Deidra Harris Brown, Antoinette Jones, Julius Jones, Jr., Nichole Funderburg (Drew), Kenisha Harris (Michael), Khanisha Galbreath (Craig), Timothy E. Jones, Jr., Joshua Jones, Erica Harley (Dwight), Aaliyah Jones, a n d Alicia Jones; sister, Gladys Sirmones; brother, Lewis Jones; brothers-in-law, Deacon Willie Fred Cannion, Nathaniel Williams (Gwen), Michael Williams (Inez) and George Williams; sisters-in-law: Rosalinde Roberts (Ernest), Melodie Rosier (Michael) and Cheryl Wells (deceased) (Eugene); over 30 great grandchildren and 10 great-great granddaughter.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the Family.

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