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Obituary for ROBERT HENRY JONES
Robert Henry Jones was born on May 4, 1929, to the late Alverta and Lawrence Jones. He departed this life on August 28, 2021, after a brief illness at Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia. While in transition, Hurricane Ida formed, coming to take him home.
Robert along with his 14 siblings was reared in Calvert County, Maryland. He actively participated in all the many activities that lead to producing a productive harvest. Those working years on the farm and cleaning local restaurants convinced him at an early age that he wanted a different life for himself.
Seeking a better life, he journeyed to Washington, DC to work on the railroad. Well, that was not the life he wanted either. As he matured in his work life, he also developed his personal style. He was known for flashy bright suits, manicured nails, making homemade wine and speaking with an accent. Leaving Washington, he then relocated to New Jersey and made a career of driving tractor trailers. After driving for 30+ years, he retired from Kearny Steel.
While living in New Jersey, Robert was “foot loose and fancy free” until he met the love of his life, Ida Downing, in 1965. Robert took on the responsibility of adopting Ida’s daughter Wanda and in January 1970 they were blessed with a son Rodney.
Robert was a member of the International Free and Accepted Modern Masons Doric Lodge 6 of Newark, New Jersey until he retired and relocated to Norfolk, Virginia. Robert was a long-time member of St. Luke’s AME Church in Newark, New Jersey. At St. Luke’s he also served as an Usher, Officer and cook. Soon after getting settled in his new home in Norfolk, he became a member of Greater Metropolitan AME Zion Church under the leadership of Reverend Sharon Hall.
One of his favorite pastimes was calling his family and friends on Sundays. He made so many calls that sometimes he would forget he had spoken to you. If you failed to answer, he would call you several times back-to-back before leaving a message.
He was loved by his neighbors on his block. They called him “Pops”, and several were his walking partners. They made sure to keep an eye on him after the passing of his wife Ida in 2019. His neighbors will sorely miss him.
Robert leaves to cherish his memory and to carry on his legacy his sons: Rodney and Maurice Jones; daughters: Wanda Hargrove (Jeffrey), Shirley Jones, Renee Wardrick, Sonja Chase, Stella Paige; sisters: Sadie Coates, Alice Carroll, Clarice Hall; brothers: Lambertine and James Jones (Dorothy); sister-in-laws: Dorothy and Lucy Jones; brother-in-law Henry Downing (Patricia); godchildren: Felicia Kinsler, Lyn Bissett, Terrance Greggs and adopted godchildren: Dylanna McMullen and Charles Oxford. In addition, he leaves 23 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren and 24 great-great grandchildren.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Ida; sons: Lorenzo, Lawrence, and Carl Jones; sisters: Ann Robinson, Ruby Chase, Ruth Gray, Cora Jones, Grace Rawlings, Mary Claggett; brothers: Lawrence and Oscar Jones and Asbury Smith as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Robert will be truly missed by his family and friends.
