Clarence Jones Jr

CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF CLARENCE EDWARD JONES, JR. Clarence Edward Jones, Jr., affectionately called "Jack" by his immediate family and those who knew him best, passed away peacefully at home in Kissimmee, Florida, on Friday, September 29, 2023, surrounded by loved ones at the age of 76. He was born to Fannie Brown Jones and Clarence Edward Jones, Sr., on March 27,1947, in the town of Henderson, North Carolina. Clarence was the eldest of their six children, Ronald, Scott, Bonita, Dennis and Gary. Fannie Brown Jones, affectionately "Ma Jones," eventually moved the entire family to the Bronx, New York for a better life. At Theodore Roosevelt High School in the Bronx, Clarence excelled in science math and AP courses. It was also at Roosevelt High that Clarence met one of his oldest and dearest friends, Doug Hollis. After graduating from Roosevelt, Clarence went on to attend Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York where he earned a bachelor's degree in biology. There he met his future wife and life partner, Jacqueline Katrina Caldwell, and also forged life-long friendships with Ernie and Neilda Mott. Clarence and Jacquie enjoyed 56 years of marriage. Together, they found and renovated a beautiful brownstone in the community of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn where they lived for forty years. Their Brooklyn brownstone was a loving and exciting home. During the summer, Clarence loved to fire up the backyard grill, hosting family and friends for hours of food and games accompanied by great storytelling, history lessons, engaging political and historical discussions, along with lots of life advice for any and all who would listen. During the fall and winter, the festivities moved indoors with the house bustling for the holidays during Thanksgiving, Christmas and Kwanzaa. Clarence was passionate about improving his Bed-Stuy community and the lives of those around him. He was a founding member and served as president of the Brownstoners of BedfordStuyvesant, a community organization that promoted the virtues and value of living in the neighborhood. Since its founding in 1978, the organization helped promote Bed-Stuy as a viable and vibrant community, encouraging young families to move to the neighborhood. The Brownstoners awarded an annual scholarship to students from Boys and Girls High School who decide to attend an HBCU for their college education. Among the many commendations the organization received was recognition by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz for its civic, social and political empowerment of Bed-Stuy residents. Clarence was also an active member of the 500 MacDonough Street Block Association where he helped keep the block clean and safe for all residents. He was well respected and loved by neighbors young and old for the help, advice, and encouragement he provided. Most importantly to Clarence was his family. He was active in the lives of their sons, Douglas and Duane. He spent many hours and weekends at swim practice and swim meets with Douglas. He coached Duane's little league baseball and basketball teams. One of Clarence's great delights was interacting with his sons' friends who would visit during holiday and summer breaks from college. His nieces and nephews always found they could rely on him for words of wisdom and encouragement. In 2008, Clarence and Jacquie retired to the Solivita community in Florida. He enjoyed frequent trips to the golfing range with golfing buddies from his Brooklyn days and new ones he met in Solivita. Clarence was also an active member of the African Heritage Cultural Club and attended many events held by the AHCC. Clarence was preceded in death by his loving mother, father, and his brothers Scott and Dennis. In addition to his wife and sons, he is survived by his brothers Ronald and Gary, his sister Bonita, sister-in-laws Barbara (Jacquie's sister), Pam (Ronald's wife), Antoinette (Scott's wifet his daughter-in-law, Ayannah (Duane's wife), granddaughters Kaiya, Neema, Amaya, and Nahla Brooklyn as well as a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Clarence Jones Jr

March 27, 1947 - September 29, 2023