Obituary of John Coleman Jones
John Coleman Jones was born on September 29, 1928 in Golden Pond, Trigg County, Kentucky. He was the son of the late Calbert Wallace Jones and the late Audra Pearline (Taylor) Jones. He attended Cleveland Intermediate Schools in Detroit through the eighth grade.
Johnny married Virginia Parrish in 1950 and was with her until her passing. He then married the former Mildred Loraine Baker at Palmer Baptist Church in Westland, Michigan on July 20, 1972. For many years, he worked as a horticulturist in the landscaping industry. He was a Retail Manager for Forest City.
Johnny also served at various churches over a thirty-year career as a Pastor. A self-taught Bible scholar, Johnny loved to share his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with everyone. A kind man with a warm and gentle spirit, he often opened his home, and especially his backyard, to Bible Study and Devotions. As the love of Christ shown in his life, he was an inspiration to many couples. He often encouraged those in his counsel with four words, “This too shall pass.”
Johnny was an avid fisherman. He would often leave early in the morning and return in the afternoon from the Detroit River catching his daily limit of Walleye. Each year he lovingly shared his catch with the members of his church at a large fish fry. He retired in 1994 as the Pastor of Gethsemane Baptist Church and was serving at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church until his passing.
John Coleman Jones, age 88, of Garden City passed away at 5:30am on Thursday, September 28, 2017 at his home. He had been under the care of Angela Hospice. In addition to his parents, his passing was preceded by sisters: Launa Isabel Jones, Glenora, Louise (Tweet) Chisick, Vivian Christine Barner, Glenda Alvia King, Beverly Jean Jones; a brother: Calbert Wallace Jones, Jr.; a granddaughter: Pamela Sue Honeycutt; two grandsons: Steven Michael Honeycutt, Sr. and Gerald Ray Honeycutt; one great-grandson: James Joseph Honeycutt, III.
To cherish his memory he leaves his beloved wife of forty-five years: Mildred Loraine Jones of Garden City, Michigan; three daughters: Virginia Rosalie (Marv) Blaylock, Beverly Gail (Jerry) Fay, and Kimberly Renee (Philip) Jenne; one step-daughter: Michele Marie (Joseph) Gross; one step-son: Joseph Alan (Wendy) Vadnais; three sisters: Penny (Dale) Clark, Mavis Akers, and Sandra (Don) Gadd; many beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Friends may gather on Sunday, October 1, 2017 at Mount Vernon Baptist Church, 8828 Wormer Street in Redford, Michigan from 3:00pm until 6:00pm. A Celebration of His Homegoing will take place at 6:00pm also at the church with the Rev. Joseph Vadnais officiating.
Memorials, in lieu of flowers, are suggested to the wishes of the Jones Family. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.