Sylvester Jones was born in Hope, Arkansas, July 12, 1930 and fell asleep in death March 14, 2017. He grew up in Chicago, Ill., where his family of origin relocated during the 1930s. He is survived by his wife of 66 years Juanita, brother, Roscoe (Shirley), 2 sons Sylvester Jr. (Betty), Michael (Maria) and 3 daughters, Angela Hutchinson (David), Gail Lee (Keith) and Susan Mars (Franklin). He was preceded in death by his youngest child, Teresa Jones in 2010.
Sylvester was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in March 1974. He served as an elder and pioneer in the Avondale and the Central (Midtown) congregations in Cincinnati and in the Anderson, S.C. congregation.
Sylvester loved to cook (chili and old fashioned pound cake were his specialties), play cards and fish! But his greatest achievement comes as a “fisher of men”. He loved the ministry and never met a stranger. Before moving to South Carolina, he was a fixture in the street ministry in downtown Cincinnati. He was so well known that one local newspaper used his likeness in the form of a cartoon caricature as someone you would inevitably pass on your way to work in downtown Cincinnati.
Sylvester had many spiritual children… some whom he jokingly referred to as “wild sheep”. He played jacks with his children and was the self-appointed Monopoly King! Sylvester will be missed but we look forward to seeing him again walking, healthy and happy in the new world.
Acknowledgements:
The Jones, Hutchinson, Lee, and Mars families wish to thank everyone for the outpouring of love during this very difficult time. The cards, prayers, calls and encouragement have been faith strengthening. Special thanks to Jan Jackson, Flo Ray, Yvette Williams, Francis Stairs, Lena King and Brian McCullars. Your many visits to Brother Jones in the nursing home will never be forgotten. Thank you brother Ernie Strayhorn for your loving care and concern.
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