Oswald Jones

Oswald Davidson Jones, affectionately known as “Vannie,” passed away peacefully on January 6, 2025, at the age of 96. His loving wife, Cleeva Yvonne Jones, was by his side at their home in Haines City, Florida, as he took his last breath. Vannie was born on September 5, 1928, in Retreat Content, Jamaica, West Indies, to Cecil Jones and Sylvia Thomas. Family and friends, both near and far, are deeply saddened to accept the reality that the patriarch of our family has finally laid down his sword. Vannie was preceded in death by his parents, his mother-in-law, Doris (Auntdor) Campbell, and all of his siblings: brothers Aubrey and Arnoth Jones, sister Gloria Eccles (and brother-in-law Lloyd Eccles), and baby sister Delores Laing. He was also preceded in death by his two eldest children, Trevor Jones and Denise Jones. He is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Cleeva, and his sister-in-law, Dahlia Jones. His legacy lives on through five generations, including his children: Dwight Jones, Ava Jones-Cruz (son-in-law Albert Cruz), Everald Jones (daughter-in-law Andrea Jones), Andre Jones, Selina Jones-Charlery (son-in-law Ervin “Terry” Charlery), and Yrtha Jones. Vannie is also survived by 13 grandsons: Tona (Richie) Jones, George Jones, Al Jones, Trevor Jones, Fabian (Tony) Morris, Sean Negron, Matthew Pernell, Isaiah Gill, Jackson Jones, Cameron Jones, Elijah Jones, Rakeem Charlery, and Nathaniel Holness; and 7 granddaughters: Shelley-Ann Palmer, Morgan Roberts, Deyonna Kerr, Ryanne Roberts, Sierra Quinones, Kimberly Cruz, and Nadirah Moore. He was blessed with 15 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. Vannie dedicated his professional life to the culinary arts as an International Chef in the hotel and restaurant industry. His career began at Tower Isles Hotel in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, where he honed his skills in fine dining before transitioning to teaching the art of culinary service. Though his culinary journey started with humble roots in Jamaica, it led him to migrate to Brooklyn, New York, in 1969. His remarkable talent brought him to the United States, where he became the Chef at the iconic Tavern on the Green in Central Park. He also worked at the renowned Rick’s Cafe and several other esteemed restaurants in Manhattan and the New York area. Vannie and Cleeva then moved their family to Plainfield, New Jersey, where they resided from 1975 to 1994. For the majority of his career in New Jersey, Vannie served as the Executive Head Chef at AT&T Bell Laboratories in Murray Hill, where he formally retired in 1994. Outside of work, Vannie found joy in cooking for his family, friends, and neighbors in the Plainfield community. He loved playing dominos, solving crossword puzzles, and watching his favorite shows, including Family Feud and Wheel of Fortune. A passionate sports fan, he especially enjoyed watching WWE Wrestling and was a devoted supporter of the New York Mets. His favorite athlete of all time was the late Kobe Bryant, closely followed by Shaquille O’Neal. Vannie cherished his daily conversations with family and friends, reaching out to his children, grandchildren, and sons-in-law on an hourly basis. Vannie’s love for his wife Cleeva was profound, enduring from the day they married on June 25, 1958, until the day he left us. He dedicated his life to providing for his children, helping raise his grandchildren, and assisting as a co-caregiver to his mother-in-law. His life's work revolved around caring for and feeding people. Having spent the last 30 years in Central Florida, Vannie’s final resting place will be in Kissimmee. Celebration of Life Details: Osceola Memorial Gardens 1717 Old Boggy Creek Road Kissimmee, FL 34744 Viewing: Friday, January 24, 2025 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Funeral: Saturday, January 25, 2025 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Burial: Immediately after Funeral Repass: Saturday, January 25, 2025 4:00 PM .

Oswald Jones

September 5, 1928 - January 6, 2025