David Samuel Jones

DAVID SAMUEL JONES departed this life on May 28, 2009 at St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore, MD after a long illness. He was born on February 28, 1935 in Northumberland County, Virginia and was one of five children born to the late Daniel O. Jones and Vera Sebree Jones. He was preceded in death by his twin brother, Daniel R. Jones.David married Esther Smith on November 11, 1961, with whom he shared forty-eight years until his death. Esther loved and faithfully cared for David during his six years of illness. Their happy union produced four children-two sons and two daughters.His love for children made him follow a career path in education where he believed he could make a positive impact on young lives. With this goal, he began his educational journey-earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Virginia Union University, Richmond, VA in 1958, and a Masters of Education Degree, at Coppin State College, Baltimore, MD in 1972. Continuing further education, he later received a Certificate of Training (TESA) Teacher Expectation and Student Achievement in 1987, as well as completed advanced studies in Education at Loyola College, Baltimore, MD in 1988.Throughout his life, David was committed to helping young people-beginning with his early work as a Recreational Leader (summer program), in Baltimore County, MD; Youth Counselor and job Recruiter (summer youth program), for the Maryland State Department of economic and Employment Development, Baltimore, MD; and teacher, Head Start Program, Coppin State College, Baltimore, MD (summer program). During his career, he taught in Richmond, VA, in Westmoreland Country Public Schools, Westmoreland, VA, in Middleburg, VA, and retired from the Baltimore County Public School System in 1990.Because of his dedication to service, David extended himself beyond the classroom. He was involved with the Boys Scouts of Baltimore County as a recreational leader, and was a volunteer driver for the Meals-on-Wheels program at Douglas Memorial Community Church. He visited the sick regularly in hospitals and nursing homes. He also tutored adults in his home.David was active in may other community organizations until 2003 when he became ill. For forty-six years he was a faithful member of Douglas Memorial Community Church and held positions as Superintendent of Church School (1975-1979), member of the Usher Board “B” (1963-2003), the Samaritans (1985-2003), and the Gospel Choir (1996-2003). He was president of Mt. Olive Helping Hand Club, Baltimore, MD for thirty-one years. He also served as vice president, president and treasurer of the Miles W. Connor Alumni Chapter of Virginia Union University during his membership of fifty-one years. He was treasurer of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, Zeta Alpha Sigma Chapter in Columbia, MD and was a member for twenty-one years.During his lifetime, David received numerous honors and awards for service including: Certificates of Appreciation for Distinguished Service, and Alumnus of the Year from Miles W Connor Alumni Chapter of Virginia Union University, Richmond, VA (1979, ’80 & ’81); Humanitarian Award, Mt. Olive Helping Hand Club of Baltimore, MD (1980); “Tribute in Appreciation of Faithful Service” – 27 years, Baltimore County Board of Education (1989); Certificate of Training, Job Corps’ Academic Program, United States Department of Labor (1992); “Keeping The Virginia Union University Spirit Alive” Award, the Fullwood Foundation, Inc. (1996); Certificate of Appreciation from the Friends of Woodlawn Middle School (1997); Charles I. Brown Award “In recognition for outstanding efforts and unselfish contribution to the advancement of our chapter fraternal goals” and Sigma Man of the Year (2002), Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, Zeta Alpha Sigma Chapter.David’s quite, humble spirit would always leave an indelible impression on everyone he met. His faithfulness to living a Godly life was a testament that he knew the grace of God and wanted to impart that grace and love toward others.He has left many family members and friends to mourn: his wife, Esther Smith Jones; children, Mark Jones (Tina, daughter-in-law), Stephanie Wilkins (Audie, son-in-law), Michael Jones (Traci, daughter-in-law), and Michelle Jones; grandchildren, Kelli Jones, Jay Keyser, Guy Jones, Brandi Jones and Audie Wilkins, Jr.; siblings, William Jones, Mary Jones Day, and John Jones; sisters-in-laws, Emma Williams, Marguerite Smith, Thelma Brookes, Gwendolyn Smith, Phyllis Smith, Marian Jones and Vashti Jones; brothers-in-law, Marshall Brookes and Robert E. Day, Sr.; nieces, nephews, cousin and friends.

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David Samuel Jones

February 28, 1935 - May 28, 2009