Bernard B. Jones II

1925 - 2012

Bernard Bryan Jones II

Yazoo City

Bernard Bryan Jones, II, was born on April 17, 1925, and went Home on April 21, 2012. Bernard was one of seven children born to William Everarde and Jessie Deen Jones. He was preceded in death by his parents, five of his siblings (Minna Deen Jones Link, Everarde Jones, Montfort Jones, Sara Virginia Jones, and an infant brother), his beloved wife of 61 years, Margie Phelps Jones, and two great grandsons, Matthew and Harris Hooks. He is survived by his twin sister, Elizabeth (Libby) Jones Calk of Atlanta, Georgia, his son and daughter-in-law, Bryan and Sara Jones, and his daughters and sons-in-law, Debbie (Jones) and Mike Braswell, and Cindy (Jones) and Bobby Thompson. His ten grandchildren and grandchildren-in-law include: B. and Alyson Jones, Beth (Braswell) and Rhyne Hooks, Jessie (Jones) and Joseph Hornback, Marcie (Braswell) and Craig Rozier, Justin and Eleanor Braswell, Will and Liza Jones, Chase and Rachel Leigh Thompson, Peter Thompson, Rachel Thompson, and Claire Thompson and seven great grandchildren.

The epitome of a southern gentleman, Bernard was born and raised on Marcella Plantation near Tchula, Mississippi. He graduated from Tchula High School in 1943, and spent his summers at Culver Military Academy. He was inducted into the army in 1943, to fight for his country in World War II, and served three years in the 41st Infantry Division in New Guinea and Southern Philippines. Bernard was honorably discharged in 1946, receiving a Purple Heart after suffering a gunshot wound to his head. After returning home from the war, Bernard attended Mississippi State University.

Bernard married Margie Phelps on June 14, 1948, and settled on Refuge Plantation, where he planted cotton until 1992. They relocated to Yazoo City in 1999. He was a member of Tchula Presbyterian Church, where he served as Deacon for many years. He served as President of Good Hope Gin, Greasy Bayou Hunting Club, and Southern States Fox Hunters Association.

Bernard served as Chairman of the Board of Feild Cooperative Association.

He was also on the Board of Directors of First National Bank of Holmes County, Yazoo Valley Electric Power, Yazoo Oil Mill, National Fox Hunters Association, ASCS of Humphreys County, and Cruger Tchula Academy. Bernard was chosen Delta Council Cotton Ginner of the Year in 1993.

An avid hunter and fly fisherman, Bernard shared his knowledge and skills with many, patiently teaching even his youngest grandchildren to tie flys and to be good woodsmen. The legacy he leaves his children and grandchildren will live on as we share his many stories of the "good ole days" with the generations to come. A fine example of "the greatest generation", Bernard will always be remembered for his generosity, integrity, and obedience to the Lord.

The family wishes to give special thanks for all of the love, support, and prayers of friends who have sustained them throughout his illnesses. A very special thanks go to his fine doctors for their exceptional care. Many thanks, too, to the staff of Continue Care Home Health and Hospice and especially to his loyal and gracious caregivers at home for their countless hours of loving care and kindness.

Visitation will be at Stricklin-King Funeral Home in Yazoo City on Monday, April 23, from 5-7 p.m. Services will be held on Tuesday, April 24, at 10:00 a.m. at Tchula Presbyterian Church with burial at Pinecrest Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be B. Jones, Justin Braswell, Will Jones, Chase Thompson, Peter Thompson, Rhyne Hooks, Joseph Hornback, and Craig Rozier. Memorials may be sent to Tchula Presbyterian Church P.O. Box. 937, Tchula, MS 39169, Second Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 977, Yazoo City, MS 39194, Friends of Children Hospital (Batson) 2500 N. State St. Jackson, MS. 39216, or a charity of your choice.