Marvin Jones, Sr.

Marvin Jones Sr. was born in Owassa, Alabama, to the proud parents of Leamon & Lelar Jones. He was the third born child of 7 siblings. Carvin Jones, Jewel (Jones) Hart, Leslie Jones, Willie Bell (Jones) King all preceded him in death. He graduated from Conecuh County Training High School in 1961. While in high school, he was a gifted basketball player who excelled and led his team to several championships. He moved to California in 1964 and married Mary E. Floyd on April 24th, 1964. In 1965 he purchased a home in East Palo Alto, California, and began his career in 1966 working at Stanford Linear Accelerator Center, where he rose to the rank of HVAC Supervisor. He retired with honors after 40 years of service. Marvin joined the Jerusalem Baptist Church in 1964, where he served in many roles such as chairperson of the Benevolence Committee, Head Usher, RISE men's ministry, singing in the choir. He served in any capacity as needed, which including visiting the sick and shut and offering communion. In 1977 he was ordained as a deacon under Rev. Allen Arnold and served in his ordained role with Dr. Emil Thomas until He moved to Stockton, California 2005 and continued to serve as a deacon At the Olivet Baptist Church under the leadership of Gordon A. Humphrey Jr. and the leadership of Rev Milton Arline. Marvin would always lean on his favorite scripture Isaiah 40:31 "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength they shall mount on wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint." Marvin loved fun family gatherings and travel. He never met a stranger. He embraced everyone that he came in contact with. He cared for, protected, and provided for his wife, children, and grandchildren. He loved God, and he taught us always to forgive and love one another. He would enjoy playing basketball, bowling, pool. His favorite teams were the Oakland Raiders, The San Francisco 49ers, The Los Angeles Lakers, and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He loved helping people... he would help people with whatever they needed. Marvin loved laughing and telling jokes. He always brightens the room when he entered. He was a sharp dresser... he loved silver and turquoise jewelry. He collected eagles and baseball hats. Marvin would answer the phone every time you called. He loved to eat huge servings of food. His mantra was, "I want my dessert with my meal!" Marvin leaves to mourn: his loving wife Mary Jones, his son Alfonza Mims (Cheonte, Alex), Shirley Jones Poitier (Sebastian Poitier) (Sebastian Jr,& Mariah) Marvin Jones Jr (Shantenay Middleton) (Marquel, Mikialah, Mekhi) Brothers: Curtis Jones (Mary Young), & Leamon Jones Jr (Diane Jones), three Godchildren Curtis, Gratina & Nathan and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins -children and in-laws across the United States. Marvin will be greatly missed by Jerusalem Baptist Church, SLAC, Olivet Baptist Church, Oak Park Senior Center, the Stockton Community, and a huge host of family & friends... Final internment: Second Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Evergreen, Alabama.