Daniel Jones Jr.

Mr. Daniel Jones Jr., of Hopewell, Va., entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, July 15, 2009, at McGuire Veterans Hospital, Richmond, Va., following a lengthy period of illness.

He was the youngest child of the late Daniel and Novella Anderson Jones of Hopewell, Va. He was preceded in death by his sister, Luevinia Nicholas, on July 27, 2007. He lived life to the fullest and worked for everything he earned.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted and loving wife, Dr. Valerie McCoy-Jones; two sons, Darrin Jones of Richmond, Va., and Keith Perry (Patricia) of Hopewell, Va.; two stepsons, Devin and Howard McCoy (Pamela) of Richmond, Va.; three devoted and loving sisters, Ruth Harris (Curtis), Susie M. Patterson (James) and Jean Hawkins; mother-in-law, Dorothy Thweatt; father-in-law, Timothy Thweatt; four grandchildren, Branden, Cameron, Kevonte and Keion; five stepgrandchildren, Addison, Lexi, Myles, Tyler and Tysean; several very special nieces and nephews, Jackie (Tommy), Phyllis (Oscar), Sheryl, Jimmy, Kevin, Joanne, Karen, Michelle (Christopher), Curtis Jr. (Anita), Michael (Patricia), Kenneth (Renate), Nicholas (Pat), Theodore, Theolette, Theron (Suzanne); and a host of other great-nieces and nephews, cousins, neighbors, friends and colleagues.

Daniel was a product of the Hopewell City Public Schools and graduated from Carter G. Woodson High School. He attended Virginia State University, Petersburg, Va., where he studied industrial arts education. After college, he served for a period of time in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Fort Campbell, Ky., and at other various posts throughout the nation. When he was honorable discharged, he returned to Virginia where he worked for Allied Chemical, U.S. Post Office, and most recently as magistrate for the State of Virginia, from which he retired from all of these. He held the distinctions of being the first African-American magistrate in Hopewell, Va. After retiring, Daniel worked at the Hopewell A&P Co. where he also served as the first African-American to operate a cash register in a food chain in the area. He served on several committees including the Hopewell Schools' Quality Committee and the Hopewell Traffic and Safety Board. When Daniel left the military for the first time, he became a member of the SCLC and NAACP Hopewell where he worked on the first picket line for the SCLC.

Daniel joined Friendship Baptist Church, Hopewell, Va., at the early age of 6. He remained a faithful, generous and active member until his declining health prevented him from attending church services. During his tenure at Friendship Baptist Church, he served as chairman of the Trustee's Board, as well as on the Senior Usher's Ministry and the Teller's Ministry.

Daniel also served on several organizations within the community and held various positions therein. He was a charter member of Sunlight Elks Lodge #1558, where he held all positions to include Exaulted Ruler. He also served at the state and national level where he held the positions of treasurer, second vice president and auditor. He also served as Grand District Deputy of the Grand Lodge and the position of Past Grand Exaulted Ruler. He also served on the State and National Burial Committee. He was also a member of the Virginia State Association.

Daniel was a member of Shiloh Lodge #33 and Past Master of Shiloh #33. He was a past member of Petersburg Consisory and past member of Mocca Temple #7, Richmond, Va.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to Hospice Unit, McGuire Hospital, 1201 Broad Rock Blvd., Richmond, VA 23249, ATT Hospice Unit, or Friendship Baptist Church in memory of Daniel Jones Jr.

Funeral services will be held 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 18, at Friendship Baptist Church, Hopewell, with Dr. Carl Johnson officiating. Interment will be in Appomattox Cemetery, Hopewell. The remains will lie in repose at the church on Saturday from 12:15 p.m. until the hour of service. Pallbearers and friends are asked to assemble at the church at 1 p.m. The immediate family will assemble at the residence, 13815 Silverdust Lane, Chester, at 12:30 p.m.

A video tribute may be viewed at the funeral home. The family will receive friends at Tuckers Funeral Home from 7 to 8 Friday evening.

Services under the direction of Tuckers Funeral Home, 415 Halifax St., Petersburg. A.A. Tucker, funeral director.