Willie A. Jones

Willie Andrew Samuel Jones, affectionately known to many as “Sam Jones,” was born on October 21, 1941, as the youngest child of Lawrence and Salome Jones. He was raised in Memphis, Tennessee, alongside his eight siblings. His mother instilled in him a foundation of faith and service, which left a lasting impression throughout his life.
Sam graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, where his intelligence, charisma, and determination for success were recognized by those beyond his family. During a period of integration in the South, the NAACP encouraged his mother to enroll him at Memphis State University. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Memphis State University in 1965. Although he initially aspired to become a lawyer, his sister, Merneysheye, convinced him to relocate to Gary, Indiana, to pursue a career in education.
In 1970, Sam was hired by the Gary Community School Corporation as a substitute teacher while also working at Inland Steel. He further advanced his credentials by earning a master’s degree in social science education from Indiana State University in 1975. Throughout his career, Sam served as a teacher, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, and Principal, with a significant tenure at West Side High School. He held a strong belief in education as a means of empowerment and was highly regarded and respected by students and colleagues alike. His positive influence was felt everywhere he went, with many people sharing how he impacted their lives.
A dedicated lifelong educator, Sam understood that when his work began to feel like "work," it was time to pass the torch. He retired in 2000 after 30 years of service. Outside of his professional career, Sam enjoyed outdoor activities at Miller Beach, bike riding, playing tennis, and spending quality time with family, friends, and his fraternity brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi.
Cherishing great memories are his children, Karlisa L. Smith and Darius (Tori Alamaze) Jones; grandchildren, Jonathan and Auset Sophia; sister, Mernesheye (Jones) Oliver; brother, Ernest Jones; nephews, Michael (Irma) Oliver, Lawrence (Denise) Oliver II, Eric (Trelles) Jones; Ronald (Karen) Daughtery; Kevin (Mary) Jones; Orlando (Clara) Jones; Dana (Sharon) Jones; Anthony Jones; Dorian Jones; Deloris Blair; Aldore Collier; Salome Jones; Aquanetta Collier; McNesheye Etollia (Ronald) Reed; Ontolia Collier; Anne Gonzalez; Charice Jones; and a host of great-nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. We invite you to join us for Visitation with the family on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. -10:00 a.m. with Memorial Service to follow at 10:00 at Embassies of Christ 4285 Cleveland Street, Gary, Indiana 46408. Joy Oliver Pastor and Minister Lawrence Oliver II officiating.