Marvin Jones

Marvin Henry Jones affectionally known as Dad, Granddaddy, Gran Gran, and Gonz, transitioned peacefully on Friday, July 5th, at his home surrounded by love.  Marvin was born on October 25, 1932, in Westmoreland County, Virginia to the late Deacon Henry Jones and Deaconess Josephine Jones.

Marvin loved the Lord and accepted Christ.  He was baptized and joined Little Zion Baptist Church at a young age.  Throughout the years, he spent many days assisting with the beautification of the grounds and keeping the church clean.

In 1957, Marvin married the love of his life, the former Ella Mae West.  Of this union, five children were born.

Marvin received his education in a two-room building located up on the hill in Westmoreland.  Although his education was limited, he gained employment with the Department of the Navy as a Laborer in the Maintenance and Utilities Division of the Public Works Department before transferring to the Transportation Division, and then ultimately retiring from the government on January 3, 1994, as a gardener.  His retirement made way for his passion and that was his garden.  He was an avid gardener and people all around benefited from his sweet potatoes, tomatoes, cantaloupes, and watermelons.

Not only was Marvin a gardener but he specialized in trash talking.  He was a big Washington Commanders fan and couldn’t wait until they played the Dallas Cowboys.  He also enjoyed a good game of spades and if you didn’t know what you were doing, he would make you get up from the table.  He also was an avid hunter and won several awards at the hunting club in Oak Grove over the years.

Marvin was proceeded in death by his parents, Deacon Henry & Deaconess Josephine Jones; daughters, Lavern Johnson and Jacklyn Jones; brothers, William Jones and Daniel Jones; and sisters, Shirley Purce and Mary Alice Green.
Marvin leaves to cherish his memories, his wife of 66 years Ella Mae; children: Ellen, Marvin, and Joyce; seven grandchildren: Nakia, Tanya, Lavita (Jeffrey), Eric (Theresa), Derrick (Ashley), Harold, and Jennifer (Derrick); 15 great grandchildren; and 1 great great-grandson; son-in-law, Harold Sr.; three brothers: Raymond (Sue), Joseph (Sarah), and Moses; three sisters: Thelma, Rosa Marie, and Victoria; aunt, Albert Byrd; goddaughter, Cathy Chapman; two special friends, Charles Jones and Raymond “Ray” Jones.  He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

A Service of Remembrance for Marvin Jones of Oak Grove, Virginia will be held on Monday, July 15 at 11AM in the sanctuary of the Little Zion Baptist Church, 7748 Leedstown Road, Oak Grove, Virginia.

Interment will follow in the Little Zion Baptist Church Cemetery.

Remains may be viewed from 10AM until service time on Monday, July 15 at Little Zion Baptist Church.

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