Oliver Jones Funeral Program DSTBBF8P PROOF YUMPU v1

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE
HONORING
REVEREND DR.
Oliver W.
JONES
SUNRISE: February 7, 1942– SUNSET: August 29, 2023
FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS

To My Beloved
Don’t spend too much time in mourning, tears are for
the sad. I left to be with Jesus, and this should make you
glad. Don’t waste your hours in grieving, no need to feel
distress, I’m tired of frustrations and had to get some rest.
Don’t vex yourself with questions or try to reason why. Life
here for me has ended, it came my time to die. Don’t lose
the love I gave you. Feed it with your care. Grow it with devotion
and spread it everywhere. Don’t fret because my
leaving came in such a way; we’ll have another meeting
in God’s eternal day.

His Life’s Journey
A Legacy of Character, Strength, and Unwavering Faith...
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face
toward you and give you peace.
– Numbers 6:24-26
REVEREND DR.
Oliver W.
JONES
Dr. Oliver W. Jones was called home in the early hours of Tuesday,
August 29, 2023.
Oliver, son of the late Freddie Sr. and Ida Lee Thomas Jones, was
born on February 7, 1942 in Richlands, North Carolina. Two
siblings predeceased him in death, Ida Mae Jones and Pastor
Jimmy Jones. A week after him, his brother, Reverend Freddie
Jones Jr. was called home to be with Jesus.
Oliver was number 7 of 10 children. He attended the Woodson
Elementary School in Richlands, North Carolina. He then went to
Georgetown High School in Jacksonville, North Carolina. There
he received a basketball scholarship to Richmond University.
He entered and served in the United States Army in 1967-1969,
where he received a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, V-Device, and six
other medals appointed by the government. He also received a
medal from the state of New York for his conspicuous service
from the then governor, Nelson A. Rockefeller.
After the military, Oliver moved back to New York where he then
studied culinary arts at New York City College of Technology
in Brooklyn. He became a Chef at prestigious restaurants
like Tavern on the Green and the Union League Club. He was
always a champion for the underdog, and would help struggling
restaurants to succeed like Slate’s Restaurant in Brooklyn, helping
the establishments receive great reviews.
In 1990, he began his journey as a born again believer with Christ
and became a Deacon, then licensed to preach the gospel. Oliver
attended the Community Bible Institute where he received many
certificates from the program.
Reverend Oliver Jones and his “Spirit filled” loving wife, Reverend
Ann Gross-Jones were married in July 1991.They each had prior
children they brought into this family fold of nine and have been
climbing ever since. In 2004, God sent a special child to them
that they raised together for 19 years.
They moved to Orlando, Florida in 2001, where they were called
to start the Nehemiah Church Ministry. Their diligent work and
service consisted of reaching out through ministering, feeding
and clothing the less fortunate with donations and giveaway
items.
A life pursuing God’s work is not without setbacks. Unfortunately,
a fire consumed most of the church. After the fire, Reverend
Jones became an associate Minister of Mount Zion Missionary
Baptist Institutional Church. Later, he would be called to assist
at Redemption Church of God, where he attended Crossland
Christian University receiving his Doctor of Theology degree.
Before going back to Mt. Zion, he would assist at the Power of
Grace Church.
He is survived by: six siblings, Alfonzo, Betty, Hattie, Darnell,
Diana, and Wanda; nine children, Jason, Erick, Tamisha, Neika,
Deshon, Timothy, Perfecto, Nadine, and Anthony; grandchildren,
Kaila and Milan, along with sixteen other grandchilren; five
great-grandchildren from his marriage with Ann Jones; and last
but not least, his nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Dr. Jones was a loving husband, father, grandfather, greatgrandfather,
brother, and friend. He was truly a great example of
walking with Christ. He worked effortlessly on his relationship
with the Lord, family, friends, and Church community. The
Sunday before going home to be with Jesus, he prayed a powerful
prayer that would be remembered by many for years to come.
His Message he leaves to all is, “We are to keep striving for an
excellent spirit. May God Bless Us All!”

Order of Celebration
Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 2:00 PM
Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Institutional Church
535 W Washington Street | Orlando, Florida 32801
Reverend Dr. Robert M. Spooney, Pastor
Officiating: Reverend Dr. Robert M. Spooney
PROCESSIONAL........................................................................... Officiant, Clergy, and Family
INVOCATION PRAYER..................................................................................Elder Olen Jones
MUSICAL SELECTION...................................................................................... Vikki Simmons
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Old Testament – Psalm 16:9-11.....................................................................Dr. J.D. Simmons
New Testament – I Timothy 4:6-8.......................................................................Pastor Lamont
MUSICAL SELECTION...................................................................................Rodney Mathews
REFLECTIONS OF LOVE (2 minutes please)............................ Open to Family and Friends
RESOLUTIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
SPECIAL REMARKS...................................................................................... Dr. Tresa Gambon
MUSICAL SELECTION..........................................................................................Imani Repass
WORDS OF COMFORT....................................................Revernend Dr. Robert M. Spooney
RECESSIONAL – “I’ll Fly Away”.................................................. Officiant, Clergy, and Family

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so,
I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you
unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
– John 14: 1-4
Interment
Cape Canaveral National Cemetery
5525 US Highway 1 | Mims, Florida 32754
Repast
Please join us for a repast following the service at
Redemption Church
24313 Easr Colonial Drive | Christmas Florida, 32709
Thank you
There are not enough words to fully express our heartfelt appreciation
for the Sympathy, Love, and Support you have extended to our Family
during the Loss of our Loved one.
May God Bless and Keep You.
– The Family
Professional Services Entrusted To:
Mitchell’s Funeral Home
Directors
“The Home That Faith and Service Built”
501 Fairvilla Rd., Orlando, Florida 32808 • (407) 298-0703
www.mitchellsfuneralhome.com
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