John E. Jones

Dr. John Edward Jones was born on March 12, 1947, to the Rev. Ernest Jones and the late Louise Bailey Jones. After a long illness, John departed this life on Feb. 2, 2009.

John was educated in the public schools of Richmond and then advanced his education in Atlanta and Seattle. He received a master's degree from Virginia Union Theological Seminary and a doctorial degree from a Bible school in Pennsylvania.

John has been an involved member of several area churches, including Manna Christian Fellowship. He was a member of several ministerial and business associations; he was a leader in his community where he served as president of the Laurel West Civic Association for many years. John was founder and director of KEISHA Ministries, an organization to which he devoted much of his time and energy. KEISHA projects lead him into local schools, schools in other states and across the seas into Korea. Much of his Christian journey is chronicled in the book, "A Dying Preacher Destined for Hell," which he wrote.

John was preceded in death by his siblings: Joseph Jones, Anita Bowens and Ernest Jones Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his father, the Rev. Ernest T. Jones Sr.; his daughters; Keisha J. Tillis (Dexter W. Tillis Sr.) of Atlanta, Chaundra J. Jones and Jamelaa J. Jones; two grandsons; Dexter Tillis Jr. and Zion Tillis; two sisters, Lillie J. Thomas (James V. Thomas Jr.) and Shirley J. Cunningham (Charles Cunningham Sr.) of Arkansas; a brother, James C. Jones of California; two sisters-in-law; Cora Hargrove and Susie Jones; seven nephews; two nieces; six great-nephews; two great-nieces; two aunts, Queen Williams and Clara Blackwell; an especially devoted aunt, Deaconess Ida Parham; a cousin who was like a brother, the Rev. Reginald Cleveland; a host of cousins and other relatives and friends and a very devoted friend, the Rev. Dr. Theresa Bannister-Scott.

Funeral services will be held at noon Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009, at First United Presbyterian Church, 3401 North Ave., Richmond, with the Rev. Reginald Cleveland officiating. The interment will be in Mt. Sinai Community Cemetery, Prince George. The family will assemble at the residence one hour prior to the service.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the staff of William N. Bland and Son Funeral Home, Petersburg, (804) 732-7841; now serving from three locations, Petersburg, Hopewell and Waverly. Please send online condolences to www.blandenterprisesinc.com.