Cecil Ray Jones

The day the pot and pan campaign for aluminum was launched for WWII (July 12, 1940) was the day God released an angel to earth named Cecil Ray Jones.  He was born to Jennella Henson and James Louis Jones.

Though there were no silver spoons involved in his upbringing, he received so much more; he received golden values and God-fearing beliefs that would carry him throughout his life.  His reverence and admiration of God led him to Christ at 9 years of age.  He served as a junior deacon at Bethlehem.  He helped pull nails and rolled Bois d'Arc posts that held the structure that stands today.  After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School in Bonham, where he was a quarterback, he went to Prairie View University.  He realized the strain it placed on his family to continue so he joined the US Air Force.  While stationed at Richards-Gebaur AFB in Kansas City, MO, he met the love of his life, Bonne Marshall; they soon wed and the legacy begins.  To their union were born:  Juan Marshall, Pamela Winona and Kimberly Ray, The Jones Family.  As a father he always wanted his children to be knowledgeable of the world, so by the time all of the children were 18 years old, the Jones Family had travelled to nearly all of the United States.

Cecil was called into the ministry in 1987 under the leadership of the late L. S. Wilson.  While evangelizing in 1990, Rev. Jones was called to Pastor Little Bethel Baptist Church where he pastored for 26 years. Although Pastor Jones gave all of himself to his church, his community and any organization, board or council he sat on, God was always first.  Rev. Jones holds a Doctorate in Theology, a Bachelors degree in Administration, an A.A.S. degree in education, and was a licensed minister.

Rev. and First Lady Jones enjoyed extensive travel where they met dignitaries, legislators, and congressmen.  Rev. Jones organized the Bethlehem Globetrotters who traveled each year to a historical destination.  Of all things Rev. Jones loved, church and talking about Jesus and His goodness were first.  He encouraged others to have a personal relationship with God.  After 53 years of marriage, his beloved Bonne was called home (2015).  His health took a turn in 2020.  Even as his health was declining, he professed Jesus to anyone that would listen. His heart weakened and Rev. Jones was called to rest Aug. 20, 2022 but not without leaving words of wisdom, to keep the faith and God is everything.  He said he loved all of us and assured us he was good with God and was going Home.  Rev. Jones loved Bonham and Ladonia, playing dominoes, watching the San Francisco 49ers and L. A. Lakers and his whole entire family.  Most of all, he loved God.

Left to celebrate his life and legacy are, his son, Juan Marshall Jones (Sonya) of Cosmopolis, WA, his daughters, Pamela Winona Jones of Denison, TX and Kimberly Ray Jones of Bonham, TX; 2 brothers, James Louis Jones, Jr. (Velda) of Azle, TX, and Elmer Le Jones (Rose) of DeSoto, TX; 4 sisters, Wilma Ware (Kevin) of Henderson, TX, Cynthia Brigham (William) of Mt. Pleasant, TX, Cathy Suber of Wichita Falls, TX, and Ida McFadden of Dallas, TX; grandchildren, Whitney Jones, Leia D. Jones, Mykhail E. Jones, Jazmine L. Wilson, Kiara M. Jones, Keynon, M. Jones, Christian M. Jones and TeQwan V. Jones; great grandchildren, Courtney Walker, Jr., Avery R. McKenzie, Dun'Ayesha L. Mapps, Kaytrian J. Whitfield, Audree E. McCollum, Akira L. Jones, Leith O. McKenzie, Khalessi L. Jones, and Romeo V. M. Jones and  honorably mentioning, his in laws of more than 60 years, Albert O. Marshall, Richard "Dickie" Marshall and sister-in-law and buddy, Eunice Willene Hardy and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM Friday, Aug. 26, 2022 at Bethlehem Baptist Church.  Pastor Stuart Courtney and Rev. Larry Goodman will officiate.  Burial will follow in Gates Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from noon till service time on Friday at Bethlehem Baptist Church.  Online guest register www.wisefuneralhome.com