Jonathan Clark Jones

We rejoice in celebration of Jonathan Clark Jones, born the second of three children to Melvin L. and Mary H. Jones on July 27, 1963 in Toledo, Ohio. Father Melvin, Sister Melva Arnet and Godson Jeremy Bryant preceded him in death. Jonathan spent his childhood in Toledo, Ohio and was a well behaved child, fun-loving, athletic and a wave of joy when fishing with his Grandfather, John Nation.

Educated in the Toledo Public Schools, Jonathan graduated from E. L. Bowsher High School in 1981. He was active in school activities including Track and Basketball. He earned a Bachelors Degree in Inter-Disciplinary Studies from the University of Toledo, as well as a Bachelors Degree in Social Services from the California State Dominiguez Hills.

Jonathan served in the Reserves of the United States Air Force from 1983 until 1992 with an honorable discharge as Staff Sergeant. During his tenure he served in the capacity of a Civil Engineer; receiving several awards including the Air Force Training Ribbon and National Defense Service Medal.

Living one block away from each other for 21 years, Jonathan and Patricia Turner finally met. After the first date, Jonathan shared with his dad that he had met his wife and on September 1, 1989 Jonathan and Patricia were joined in holy matrimony.

Jonathan's professional employment history reflected his commitment to excellence in the fields of recruiting, screening and testing. He worked as a Recruiting & Testing Director and a Regional Director for the Law Offices of Sharon Lybeck Hartman. In both positions, he worked tirelessly on projects for the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Urban Institute, and the United States Department of Justice. Jonathan was employed by the Los Angeles Urban League on two separate occasions. From 1993-1996, he served as both, an Employment Recruiter/Field Representative and as a Case Manager. Due to Jonathan's outstanding work ethics and his commitment to the community, he rejoined the staff and worked until his health failed.

Surrendering his life to Christ, Jonathan was baptized at Mt. Zion Baptist Church by Reverend Elijah Benton in Toledo, Ohio. In 1990, he joined Faithful Central Baptist Church and became active with the Encouragers Ministry and Parking to Pew Ministry. During the summer months he became a Leader of Victory in Bible Excellence (VIBE) which was a fundraising campaign for the church.

He was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason in 2005 with Wiley L. Kimbrough Prince Hall Lodge #91 out of Santa Ana, California.

Jonathan was an avid golfer. A member of the Dominguez Golf Club, Jonathan never met a driving range or golf course he didn't like. One of his favorite gifts was a golf trip to Pebble Beach, California where he played to his hearts content. While a hole-in-one is elusive for many golfers, Jonathan made three holes-in-one, two of which were witnessed by his best friend, David Frelow.

Jonathan loved his family, extended family and loved having them around to eat, drink and be merry. He tremendously he enjoyed Donovan and Joy Waller, Isaiah Sago, William Sago, Randolph Burley, Cameron Burley, Kayla Williams, Kendan Ulmer, Jessica Zenon, Elisha Rayford III, Ellery Rayford, Alexandria Threats and Andre Threats II. He could be found at their events, surprising them at times they least expected.

Some of his hobbies included: Traveling, reading, writing poetry, listening to jazz, attending concerts and the theatre. He appreciated the opera and was a connoisseur of wine.


Friday, December 3, 2010 marked the blessed transformation of his life.

Jonathan leaves to cherish and share his memory: a loving and devoted wife of twenty-one years, Patricia; mother, Mary Jones of Toledo, Ohio; sister, Yvette Jones of Toledo, Ohio; mother-in-law, Mrs. Ida Bell Turner of Toledo, Ohio; sisters-in-law: Lillie Lanier of Los Angeles; Linda Turner of Toledo, Ohio; Pamela Threats (Andre')of Lithonia, Georgia; brothers-in-law: Elder Wilbert Turner (Joyce) and Edward Turner of Toledo, Ohio; uncles: Johnny Jones, Ronald Jones (Barbara), Clarence Jones, Carlton Jones, Ellis B. Nation (Dawn Marie), Isaiah Turner; aunts: Alice Ramsey, Paulette Stacey, Diane Bolden (Charles), Cynthia Noye (Bernard), Ida Griffith (Tyrone), Rossie Brown, Jacqueline Stevens, Rosemary Wyatt, Linda Jones, Victoria Heard (Michael), Anna Jones, Gwendolyn Jones, Minnie Linzy, Marie Sullivan (Robert), Eloise Turner, Estena Jones (Jesse), Sallie Gipson, Mary Alice Cabrill; godchildren: Ashley Webb, Nicholas Williams, MiYanna Clark, Colin Harris and Andre Threats II; god sisters and brothers: O'Harrall & Rosalind Sago, Darnese and Myron Sago, Robert & Patricia Addison; special support: Joyce Peters, Erma Vallare, Gregory & Tammy Harper and Yolanda Williams; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, golf buddies, extended family and friends.

The family will receive guests Monday, December 13, 2010 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 W. Laskey Rd. (419-473-0300). Wake Services will be Tuesday, December 14, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church, 1401 Hoag Street, Toledo, Ohio 43607. Funeral Services will follow at 11:00 a.m. in Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church, Pastor Raymond G. Bishop Jr. Entombment will follow in Historic Woodlawn Cemetery.