January 17, 2012

Sylvester Jones, 79, of Suffolk, Va., was called to rest on Jan. 17, 2012. Mr. Jones was a native of Nansemond County and the son of the late Ovella Hawkins Stephenson and John Galvin Jones. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Willie Thomas Jones, and his sister, Beulah Skinner.

Mr. Jones was educated in the Nansemond County School System. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural education from Virginia State University. He also attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and the College of William and Mary. He received his Master of Administration degree from Old Dominion University. Mr. Jones was an administrator in the Suffolk public school system. During his career, he served as principal of both East Suffolk Elementary and Driver Elementary schools. He also served as assistant principal at both Kilby Shores Elementary and Nansemond Parkway Elementary schools. Mr. Jones retired from Suffolk Public Schools after 31 years of service.

Mr. Jones accepted Christ at the age of 8. He was a life member of Balm of Gilead Missionary Baptist Church. He served in many capacities, including Chairman Deacon Emeritus, member of the Missionary Ministry, Pastor’s Aide Ministry, Ways and Means Ministry and Beautification Committee. Mr. Jones was also active in his community. He was a member of the Suffolk Planning Commission and president of both the Oakdale, Pierce Park and Magnolia Civic League and the East Suffolk Federated Civic League. Mr. Jones was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Alpha Iota chapter, and a life member of the Suffolk branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Mr. Jones loved and invested in children and community. He was a travel and sports enthusiast, avid hunter and fisherman.

Mr. Jones leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 59 years, Margaret W. Jones. He is also survived by his sister, Annie J. Bond, of St. Albans, N.Y. and brother, Earnest Jones, of Suffolk. He will be missed by his sister-in-law, Lessie Bynum, of Suffolk, 24 nieces and nephews, a host of cousins, great-nieces and -nephews, four godchildren, Matthew Knight, Pamela Brown, Davida Williams and William Foster Jr.; a special “adopted” son and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Azurea White.

A Christian wake will be held Monday, Jan. 23, at 6 p.m. at Balm of Gilead Missionary Baptist Church. The Omega Memorial service will be held immediately prior to the funeral. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at Tabernacle Christian Church at 1:30 p.m. Interment will be in the Balm of Gilead Baptist Church cemetery. The family will receive friends at his residence. Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.crockerfuneralhome.com.