William L. Jones

William L. Jones entered into eternal rest peacefully on Sunday, the 15th of November 2020 surrounded by his loving family. William “Bill”, the youngest son of William E. and Rosa Bell Jones, was born on the 12th of February 1929 in Jackson, Mississippi. He was preceded in death by his parents and two older siblings, Floyd Jones and Edmonia Jones Henry. Bill attended a parochial elementary school in Jackson. The family moved to Washington, D.C where he continued his education attending junior and senior high schools. Upon graduating from Dunbar Senior High, Bill entered Howard University as a freshman. His education was interrupted by a call to duty, in the wake of the historical Korean Conflict. He enlisted into the Navy in July 1948 and was honorably discharged four years later in July of 1952. He then reentered Howard University majoring in physical education, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree. Bill continued his education earning a master’s degree in Health and Physical Education from the University of Maryland, College Park. Putting his accomplishments to work, he began his career in education at Howard University as an educator and coach. While at Howard, he was the coach of the varsity basketball and golf teams. After four years of teaching at Howard, he continued his career by joining the District of Columbia School System, where he was assigned to teach at Francis Junior High School. Bill spent his entire career in the D.C. school system as a teacher, coach, and Dean of Students at Francis. After 25 years of developing and enriching the young minds of his students, Bill retired to live to a life where he could enjoy some of his greatest passions: golfing and horse racing. Bill was not only an educator, but also a family man. He met his wife Delois Jeanetta Granison at Rehoboth Baptist Church in 1950. They were united in marriage in Indianapolis, Indiana on the 16th of August 1953. This union of 67 years produced four children. Bill is survived by his adoring and caring wife, Jeanetta “Gee”, his children and their spouses, Stanley C., Michael W. (Diane), Jocelyn D. Geller (Mark), Patrice A. McCarthy (David) and seven grandchildren: Devon, Whitney, Ashley, Addison, Sutton, Shelby and Ian.

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William L. Jones

November 15, 2020