Mr. Ovell Jones

August 2, 1933 - November 13, 2018

God looked out and saw that one of his faithful servants had fought the good fight and was now tired and weary so he called him home to eternal rest on Tuesday November 13, 2018.  Ovell Jones, also known as Buddy, was born on August 2, 1933 in Sommerville, TN to Mary Jane Hunter-Jones and Sherman Jones. He was the 8th of 12 children, 7 of whom have since proceeded him in death. During his childhood, Ovell was a very precocious child. He was always teasing his siblings and playing tricks on them. He got over his mischievous ways, however, when his sister Lillie hit him over the head with a bucket. He grew up to be an intelligent and knowledgeable young man. He could tell you how many miles one city or state was from another, or which direction to take to just about anywhere, a skill that his youngest sister Ruby Helen still has not mastered, even today. He began his secondary education at Merry High School in Jackson, TN, but was drafted in the United States Army at the tender age of 17. After his tour of duty, he returned to complete his high school education. He also spent a couple of years in business school. After completing his education, he married Anna Rayford, who was also a member of his graduating class. To this union, two children were born; Antoinette and Ovell Jr. (Jones boy).After his wife died suddenly, he decided to move to Chicago but landed in Evansville, IN. On August 18,1962, he married Wilma Phipps (Jones) the love of his life. Together they had three more children, Jeffery, Kenneth and Janet. He was the epitome of a family man. He loved his wife and children unconditionally and always tried to point them in a positive direction. A large part of that direction was due to his faith in God. Ovell was a man of faith and inspired his family to follow in his footsteps. He was raised in a God-fearing household and was even a member of a gospel quartet for several years as a young man. He was an active member of Nazarene Baptist Church and served both as a deacon and an usher. He was known for his heart felt prayers, and through song and poetry he exhibited his passion for the Lord. Ovell was wise beyond his years with a great since direction and financially savvy allowing him to retire at age 62 from Arkla Industries. He was hard-working, generous, and an amazing provider. Additionally, he shared his life experiences with his children to prepare them for the real world. When his health began to decline, Wilma was his rock. She was his nurse, chef, maid, driver and consistently showed her commitment to their vows. From Indiana to Mississippi she was his continued support until his final days. Ovell was a man of few words though when spoken they were sound. He was a man of God, so his feet were on solid ground. He had an infectious smile and he never met a stranger. His destiny was set long ago as he followed God’s plan. I strongly believe for the rest of our lives he will be watching us closely from up above. Today we celebrate the life of Ovell with everyone he loved, he was an example for all to follow. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Mary and Sherman Jones; seven of his siblings, Early Lee Jones, Annie Bell Jones (Bullock), Sherman Jones II, Gladys Jones(Douglas), Betty Ruth Jones(Bowers), A. C. Jones and Julia Jones(Black); two sons Jeffery Jones and Kenneth Jones; and a grandson Jordan Jones. Ovell leaves to cherish his memory; his devoted wife, Wilma Jones; two daughters Antoinette Lorick (Jeff) of St. Louis, MO, Janet Suggs (Sean) of Saltillo, MS, son Ovell Jones Jr. of St. Louis, MO; four sisters Lillie Lacy, Jessie Eason, and Ruby Helen Jones all of St. Louis, MO and Ada Patrick of Jackson, TN; a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and of course his Nazarene family; arguably his favorite people in the world his great-grandchildren Alivia and Skyler Patrick.