Vernon E Jones

Vernon Earl Jones, son of the late Mr. Ulysses and Mrs. Rosa Jones, was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on November 5, 1937. He was called from labor to reward on Wednesday morning, November 7, 2018. Vernon was loved, is missed, and will always be cherished. “Pops” as he was called by his children, “Uncle Vernon,” as he was called by the family, “Papa” as he was called by everybody was an amazing husband, father, son, and master of tools and gadgets like no other could be.

Papa Jones was educated in the Louisiana Public School System graduating in 1956 from Booker T. Washington High School. Not a stranger to hard work he matriculated to Tuskegee Institute where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education in 1960. Papa Jones furthered his studies at Clemson University where he earned his Masters of Industrial Education in 1972. Well prepared and ready to impact the world he began fulfilling his journey as an educator. After years of teaching he transitioned to administration holding such positions as Assistant Principal of Easley High School and Principal of Riverside Middle School in Pendleton. Eventually, Papa Jones retired his well over 30 year education career as the Director of Personnel for the Anderson School District IV. 

In 1961, Vernon was united in holy matrimony to the late Dorothy “Dot” Mack. To this loving union two children were born, Marguerita Vernelle and Gregory Earl.  To know Vernon was to love him. He had a kind and caring personality which enlarged his circle of friends and extended family.

Vernon accepted the Lord at an early age. Upon moving to Seneca, he united with the Ebenezer Baptist Church where he has served faithfully as an usher, trustee, budget and finance chairperson, senior choir member and president and Deacon. In 2008, his church family honored him as “Father of the Year”. Deacon Jones also extended his service to include committed stewardship with the Seneca River Brotherhood and the Seneca River Improvement Association where he served as the president.

Loved embraced Uncle Vernon again and in 1999, he married Grace Holland Freeman. Vernon loved family and with this matrimony he gained three more children to call his own, Gloria, Shawn and Brent. Many successful years and memories continued to develop for Papa Jones. He loved to grill and cookout. And he was renowned for his love of tools and building. He loved to order new gadgets and tools and other stuff on TV. 

Papa Jones enjoyed service and impacting community which was evident in his membership with numerous organizations. Some of the more salient ones included but are not limited to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, the NAACP, The South Carolina Education Association and the National Education Association. 

Papa Vernon Jones will certainly be missed by his devoted wife Grace Freeman Jones of the home; his two daughters, Marguerita Smith (Robert) of Savannah, GA; and Gloria Freeman of Seneca, SC; his three sons, Gregory Jones (Andrea) of Anderson, SC,  Shawn Freeman of Seneca, SC, and Brent Freeman of Seneca, SC; one special daughter, Denise Clark of Seneca, SC; seven grandchildren, Robert Smith Jr., Brandi Smith, Crystal King, Alyssa Jones, Julius Jones, Jonah Jones, and Matthew Jones; along with a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and extended family.

 Funeral Services  Tuesday Nov 13 2018 at the Seneca Family Life Center at 1 pm . Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery  . Body will be placed in the Center at 12 00 noon  on Monday  . Public viewing will be on Monday Nov 12 from  from 11 am till 7 pm . The family is at the home .

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