Erwin Jones

Erwin Jones was born in Memphis, Tennessee on March 29, 1957 to the union of Leonard and Mary Bell Jones. Erwin passed away peacefully on March 3, 2024, in Olive Branch, Mississippi, in the arms of his loving wife, Mary Etta Jones. He was 66. Erwin confessed his hope in Jesus Christ at an early age at Ward Chapel in Memphis, Tennessee, where his parents brought him up in the nourishment and admonition of the Lord, and as he grew in grace and stature, the meaning of his name Erwin which means "respected friend", became manifest to all who knew him. He became a member of Mt. Sanai Baptist Church later in life, and this is where he was baptized. One of Erwin's favorite verses can be found in Philippians 4:13 ESV, and the scripture reads. "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength". Erwin had strong reliance on Jesus Christ strength, which assured him that no matter the challenge he faced, he could overcome all of them through faith, and the power of Christ within him.

After graduating from Hamilton High School in Memphis, Tennessee in 1975, he furthered his remarkable journey by serving in the United States Army as a courageous soldier from 1975 to 1977. He went to Basic Combat Training in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and Advanced individual Training at Fort Hood, Texas. He also served in the desert in California, and overseas in Baumholder, Germany. His military occupational specialty was in supply where he was responsible for the unit's supply accountability and mobilization readiness. In 1977 his military service ended, and he received a service of honorable. He returned home and went on to truck driving school, where he earned his commercial drivers license, and began driving trucks over the road. This occupation kept him away from home, therefore, he decided to find another career where he could be home every night. During this time he met and married Marilyn Teal in 1982, and to this union, four children were born, and he also gained a son Damian through this marriage.

In 1984, Erwin began his employment with the United States Postal Service where he served faithfully until his retirement in 2019. Erwin poured into the lives of his colleagues by training them how to deliver the mail, and by representing them through his position as the representative for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission at the Highland Post Office. He provided selfless service as a soldier by defending the freedom we all enjoy, and then as a walking mail carrier for a total of thirty seven years of government service. As he continued to work and provide for his family, Erwin's wife Marilyn of twenty six years, became sick. and passed away of natural causes in 2008.

Erwin began a new journey when he met and married Mary Etta Green in 2011, and he also gained a daughter Rachel, and four grandchildren through this marriage. Mary Etta affectionately called him her "gentle giant" and "Mr. Jones." He affectionately called her "mama" and "Mrs. Jones." Erwin was a humble, beautiful, and gentle soul whose vibrant personality, beautiful voice, and jovial spirit brightened every room he entered. He was an excellent provider, a protector, and a pillar of strength for his family. Erwin's unwavering faith in God guided him throughout his life, and he has found favor with God.

Erwin preferred the simple pleasure of enjoying his favorite meal with a glass of water. He loved the book, "The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich", by William L. Shirer, and a song he always appreciated was "Love and Happiness" by Al Green. Above all this, Erwin was a family man, who cherished hearing the laughter of his wife and children. A keen sports enthusiasts, Erwin supported the Dallas Cowboys. He found joy in watching the movie, "A Few Good Men." He embraced the tranquil beauty of the place he affectionately called home, as well as the various places he traveled with his lovely wife, which included Australia, the Bahamas, Canada, Hawaii, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico.

Family members who predeceased Erwin were father Leonard Jones, mother Mary Bell Jones, son Damian, first wife Marilyn, and daughter Jennifer Jones.

Erwin will be remembered by his colleagues, family, and friends for his longstanding gifts to charities such as the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. His compassion, humility, and generosity was unmatched, setting a shining example for everyone around him. He had agape love for all humanity which was as vast, as his favorite color, blue. Forever, we will remember how his presence alone brought peace, joy, and solace to our souls. We will remember him giving back to his community by being a law abiding citizen, coaching little league baseball, and using his beautiful baritone voice to sing gospel music in a collection of performance venues throughout the south. Erwin will be memorialized through his legacy of love, wisdom, and humility. He has left an indelible mark on all our hearts, and his rich wisdom, his warm embrace, his gentle touch, his selfless service and his unquenchable love for life, will continue to be our guiding light. Erwin's soul was beautiful, he was a loving husband, a devoted father and grandfather, and he was a respected friend. The full and rich life of Erwin Jones is a powerful testament to the Goodness of God.

His most humble memories for those who knew him best will be his unwavering commitment to family and his unyielding love for God.

Erwin Jones is survived by his loving wife Mary Etta Jones, his children Rachel, Jherrel, Miranda, and Irwin. He is survived by his grandchildren, Jade, Cameron, Zoey, Raia, Dylan, and Jacob. He is survived by his sister Michelle Turner and her husband David, and his brother Lorenzo Jones. He is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and other family members.

The funeral service to honor Erwin's life will take place at M J Edwards Stage Road Chapel, 4445 Stage Road, Memphis, Tennessee. The family request donations be made in Erwin Jones honor to St Jude Children's Research Hospital in lieu of flowers.