Donald Franklin Jones

Donald Franklin Jones went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Jackson, MS. He was 86 years old. The family will receive friends and extended family for visitation from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence, MS. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. with burial following at Floral Hills Memory Gardens in Pearl, MS.

Donald was born on November 24, 1938, one of 12 kids, to Elbert Houston Jones and Velma Jewel Shirley Jones in Darco, TX. He was raised in East Texas but has lived in Florence for the past 60 years and was a member of First Baptist Church of Richland. Donald was a traveling man at a very young age. He was 7 years old when he ventured out on his own. Hitch hiking to California and back several times. At the age of 12 he started hauling pulpwood with his father in East, TX. He was big for his age. He went on to work in the Oil and Gas industry. He was working a well in Pelahatchie and that is where he met Mrs. Margaret Ann, the love of his life. They were married on May 24, 1965. Donald was the best husband and provider. He would do whatever it took to take care of and provide for his family. He loved them dearly. Donald was a quite reserved man, humble and easy to get along with. A true testament of what a man is supposed to be. He loved his church and the Lord who he referred to as “the man upstairs”. He was a true servant. He would give you the shirt off his back and even bring it to you. Donald was loved by all and will truly be missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Fayrene Stanley, Opal Pendarvis, Jimmy Jones, Lloyd Jones, Elbert Jones, Jr., Larry Jones and Wayne Jones. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Margaret Ann Jones; daughters, Donna Michele Moore (Michael) of Smyrna, TN, Terri Angeline Bates (Jeff) of Florence, brothers, Rubin Jones (Norma) of Longview, TX, Marshall Jones (Claudia) of Brandon, MS, Curtis Jones (Peggy) of Longview, TX, and Lonnie Jones (Laura) of Longview, TX; grandchildren, Justin Bates (Ally), Taylor Bates (Cassidy), Blake Moore, and Avery Moore; great grandchildren, John Asher Bates, Anna Ruth Bates, Luca James Bates, and 2 on the way.