Gerald Wilford Jones Sr.

Gerald Wilford Jones, Sr., age 96, of Elizabeth City, NC, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026, at The Landings of Albemarle in Hertford, NC. Born on February 16, 1929, in Pasquotank County, NC, to the late Walter K. Jones, Sr. and Sue Williams Jones, Gerald lived a full and dedicated life.
Gerald's career spanned over two decades as a skilled pipefitter at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, where he worked diligently for 23 years until his retirement. His commitment to his profession reflected his strong work ethic and dedication.
A man of faith, Gerald was a valued member of the Newland United Methodist Church. He was also an esteemed 75-year member of the New Lebanon Lodge #314 AF & AM of South Mills NC, a 50+ year member of Sudan Shriners Hospital, a member of the Elizabeth City Shrine Club, and belonged to the Southside Hunting Club, where he formed lasting friendships and shared many cherished memories.
He is survived by his daughter, Terri Ann Jones Winslow and her husband, Mike; three devoted sons, Jerry Jones and his wife, Hau, Larry Jones, and Garland Jones and his wife, Marilyn; and a dedicated cousin and friend, Gary Jones. Gerald was a proud grandfather to Jennifer Gallop, Kelly Winslow, Beverly Sawyer, Samantha Franklin, L.J. Jones, and Graham Davis; and a cherished great-grandfather to nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Vivian Warden Jones, the mother of his children; the love of his life, Jo Ann Edney; three sisters, Hulda Stallings, Una Sawyer, and Leah White; and his brother, Walter K. Jones, Jr.
Gerald will be dearly missed by his family and friends, who will forever remember his warmth, kindness, and dedication to his loved ones.
A funeral service with Masonic Rites to honor Gerald's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Twiford Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Dawne Hollis-Custer officiating. The service will be livestreamed on his obituary page at www.TwifordFH.com. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at West Lawn Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made in Gerald's name to Shriners Hospitals for Children Corporate Headquarters (www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/ways-to-give/donate), 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of The Landing of Albemarle for the wonderful care of their loved one.
Twiford Funeral Homes, 405 E. Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC, is serving the Jones family. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.