An Ever-lasting friend, Empowering and Engaged. These three characteristics are just a few words used to describe Earnest Lee Jones that he demonstrated with everyone he met, including and most importantly, his children and grandchildren who were nothing short of the center of his life.
Earnest Lee Jones born on May 13, 1949, to the late Elijah Jones and Vera Mae Whitney-Jones in Searcy, Arkansas. He accepted Christ at an early age under the ministry of his late grandfather, Samuel Whitney in Kensett, AR. He was a 1968 graduate of Kensett High School, Kensett, AR after being drafted by the U.S. Army where he served eight plus years. Afterwards, he served eleven years in the National Guard. He was a proud Vietnam Veteran and a member of Masonic Lodge King Solomon #473.
Returning to civilian life, he worked several years for Speed Queen in Searcy, afterwards, he was employed by Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) till his retirement for more than forty years. Earnest was fortunate to work with many grate people traveling to and through many states throughout his career meeting new people and making lifelong friends. He was well respected by the Eastern District Tie Gang and other divisions including his brother in law, Roger Cooper as a General Foreman for Safety.
Earnest married the love of his life, Elesa E. Cooper, on November 25, 2000 and plummeted him in the middle of a ginormous family which he embraced wholeheartedly. Uncle Earnest, Uncle Phil, Cuzin Earnest, BBQ Man and "Jones" became a mainstay at family reunions and many, many family gatherings of the Cooper and Clary clans. He and Elesa racked up many miles attending family reunions, funerals and family gatherings. He took his role seriously cooking for gatherings, cookouts and going the extra mile making sure the children were entertained. One of the most memorable of his event plannings was a kids' camp in their backyard. Kids and adults both remember that night at Camp Jones. He was able to orchestrate this huge undertaking with help from another surrogate family, First Baptist Church Vine.
As a faithful member of First Baptist Church Vine, he was President of the Deacon and Trustee Board and a member of the Vine Street Saints. He and his wife traveled with the church often, and if the occasion called for Elesa to sing, you could catch Earnest sitting still with a slight smile on his face as his songbird sang.
If you were privileged to visit the Jones' home, two things would become immediately evident; one, there was always children or family there, and two, Earnest loved wood working. Their home and yard is a living museum of his masterful crafts. Many referred to him as "Stick Man". He was a master at carving wooden items, but he was most known for crafting wooden canes that he often gave away to others. He was known for caring for others, but if you could take a peek into their "quiet room", you'd see how he bestowed love upon his wife with many personalized trinkets and lovely roses.
Earnest Lee Jones was affectionately known by many names: Dad, "Jones", Unc, Brother Jones, "Stick Man" and Honey (from Elesa), but none brought a smile to his face more than that of being affectionately called Pawpaw. Of all the tasks and job duties he assumed throughout his life, Pawpaw was one that he perfectly mastered. It wasn't a task that he fell short on at any time. Their vehicle stayed on the move as Pawpaw duties always took precedent, whether it be running to Searcy to check on his grandson, Davion, or heading to Mississippi visiting his son(wife) and the grandkids. One of his recent and most memorable events was attending the wedding of granddaughter, Madison. His role as Nevaeh's grandfather became the center of his life after retirement. Recently Nevaeh noticed two street signs around Malvern named Earnest Street and Jones Street. "My Pawpaw is all over this town", she screamed. And he was - all over the town - sharing his wisdom and warmth.
Earnest L. Jones was predeceased by his parents, daughter, Angela Y. Jones, son, Johnathan E. Cooper, parent in laws Carthon and Vira M. Cooper, sister Lucy Gulledge and brother in law, Wendell Cooper.
Survivors: his wife, Elesa Cooper-Jones, Malvern, AR, son, Jermaine Jones (Rebecca), Tupelo, MS, Grandchildren: Davion Jones, Searcy, AR, Jordan Jones, Provo, UT, Madison Jones-Gasu (Wayne), Cameron, Gillian, Brayden and Austin Jones all of Tupelo, MS and Nevaeh Cooper, Malvern, AR. Brothers: Howard Washington (Netra), Kensett, AR and Terry Mike Jones, Searcy, AR, Sisters: Marilyn Franklin, Kansas City, MO and Carolyn Bailey (Lindel), Kensett, AR. Brother in laws: Chardell Cooper, Benton, AR, Clark Cooper, and Roger Cooper (Debra), Malvern, AR. Sister in laws: Gail Harris, Fordyce, AR, Pauletta Sherman (Samuel), Vivian Smith (Karl), Malvern, AR and Tancey Cooper, Prattsville, AR. Goddaughter Jessica Franklin, Phoenix, AZ and a special nephew C. Kordell Cooper, Malvern, AR, surrogate grandchildren: Jamarion Davis, Kelsey Alie, Keylen Ali, and Bradyn Davis, Malvern, AR and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
There will be a Home Going Celebration of his life at 11:00 am., Saturday, May 2, 2020, on the lawn at his home, which is located at 1309 Sulphur Springs Road, Malvern, Arkansas. A viewing will be held at his home that morning from 10:00 - 10:45 am. His earthly body will be laid to rest at Philadelphia Cemetery, Prattsville, Arkansas, with military honors.
Earnest Lee Jones born on May 13, 1949, to the late Elijah Jones and Vera Mae Whitney-Jones in Searcy, Arkansas. He accepted Christ at an early age under the ministry of his late grandfather, Samuel Whitney in Kensett, AR. He was a 1968 graduate of Kensett High School, Kensett, AR after being drafted by the U.S. Army where he served eight plus years. Afterwards, he served eleven years in the National Guard. He was a proud Vietnam Veteran and a member of Masonic Lodge King Solomon #473.
Returning to civilian life, he worked several years for Speed Queen in Searcy, afterwards, he was employed by Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) till his retirement for more than forty years. Earnest was fortunate to work with many grate people traveling to and through many states throughout his career meeting new people and making lifelong friends. He was well respected by the Eastern District Tie Gang and other divisions including his brother in law, Roger Cooper as a General Foreman for Safety.
Earnest married the love of his life, Elesa E. Cooper, on November 25, 2000 and plummeted him in the middle of a ginormous family which he embraced wholeheartedly. Uncle Earnest, Uncle Phil, Cuzin Earnest, BBQ Man and "Jones" became a mainstay at family reunions and many, many family gatherings of the Cooper and Clary clans. He and Elesa racked up many miles attending family reunions, funerals and family gatherings. He took his role seriously cooking for gatherings, cookouts and going the extra mile making sure the children were entertained. One of the most memorable of his event plannings was a kids' camp in their backyard. Kids and adults both remember that night at Camp Jones. He was able to orchestrate this huge undertaking with help from another surrogate family, First Baptist Church Vine.
As a faithful member of First Baptist Church Vine, he was President of the Deacon and Trustee Board and a member of the Vine Street Saints. He and his wife traveled with the church often, and if the occasion called for Elesa to sing, you could catch Earnest sitting still with a slight smile on his face as his songbird sang.
If you were privileged to visit the Jones' home, two things would become immediately evident; one, there was always children or family there, and two, Earnest loved wood working. Their home and yard is a living museum of his masterful crafts. Many referred to him as "Stick Man". He was a master at carving wooden items, but he was most known for crafting wooden canes that he often gave away to others. He was known for caring for others, but if you could take a peek into their "quiet room", you'd see how he bestowed love upon his wife with many personalized trinkets and lovely roses.
Earnest Lee Jones was affectionately known by many names: Dad, "Jones", Unc, Brother Jones, "Stick Man" and Honey (from Elesa), but none brought a smile to his face more than that of being affectionately called Pawpaw. Of all the tasks and job duties he assumed throughout his life, Pawpaw was one that he perfectly mastered. It wasn't a task that he fell short on at any time. Their vehicle stayed on the move as Pawpaw duties always took precedent, whether it be running to Searcy to check on his grandson, Davion, or heading to Mississippi visiting his son(wife) and the grandkids. One of his recent and most memorable events was attending the wedding of granddaughter, Madison. His role as Nevaeh's grandfather became the center of his life after retirement. Recently Nevaeh noticed two street signs around Malvern named Earnest Street and Jones Street. "My Pawpaw is all over this town", she screamed. And he was - all over the town - sharing his wisdom and warmth.
Earnest L. Jones was predeceased by his parents, daughter, Angela Y. Jones, son, Johnathan E. Cooper, parent in laws Carthon and Vira M. Cooper, sister Lucy Gulledge and brother in law, Wendell Cooper.
Survivors: his wife, Elesa Cooper-Jones, Malvern, AR, son, Jermaine Jones (Rebecca), Tupelo, MS, Grandchildren: Davion Jones, Searcy, AR, Jordan Jones, Provo, UT, Madison Jones-Gasu (Wayne), Cameron, Gillian, Brayden and Austin Jones all of Tupelo, MS and Nevaeh Cooper, Malvern, AR. Brothers: Howard Washington (Netra), Kensett, AR and Terry Mike Jones, Searcy, AR, Sisters: Marilyn Franklin, Kansas City, MO and Carolyn Bailey (Lindel), Kensett, AR. Brother in laws: Chardell Cooper, Benton, AR, Clark Cooper, and Roger Cooper (Debra), Malvern, AR. Sister in laws: Gail Harris, Fordyce, AR, Pauletta Sherman (Samuel), Vivian Smith (Karl), Malvern, AR and Tancey Cooper, Prattsville, AR. Goddaughter Jessica Franklin, Phoenix, AZ and a special nephew C. Kordell Cooper, Malvern, AR, surrogate grandchildren: Jamarion Davis, Kelsey Alie, Keylen Ali, and Bradyn Davis, Malvern, AR and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
There will be a Home Going Celebration of his life at 11:00 am., Saturday, May 2, 2020, on the lawn at his home, which is located at 1309 Sulphur Springs Road, Malvern, Arkansas. A viewing will be held at his home that morning from 10:00 - 10:45 am. His earthly body will be laid to rest at Philadelphia Cemetery, Prattsville, Arkansas, with military honors.
An Ever-lasting friend, Empowering and Engaged. These three characteristics are just a few words used to describe Earnest Lee Jones that he demonstrated with everyone he met, including and most importantly, his children and grandchildren who were nothing short of the center of his life.
Earnest Lee Jones born on May 13, 1949, to the late Elijah Jones and Vera Mae Whitney-Jones in Searcy, Arkansas. He accepted Christ at an early age under the ministry of his late grandfather, Samuel Whitney in Kensett, AR. He was a 1968 graduate of Kensett High School, Kensett, AR after being drafted by the U.S. Army where he served eight plus years. Afterwards, he served eleven years in the National Guard. He was a proud Vietnam Veteran and a member of Masonic Lodge King Solomon #473.
Returning to civilian life, he worked several years for Speed Queen in Searcy, afterwards, he was employed by Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) till his retirement for more than forty years. Earnest was fortunate to work with many grate people traveling to and through many states throughout his career meeting new people and making lifelong friends. He was well respected by the Eastern District Tie Gang and other divisions including his brother in law, Roger Cooper as a General Foreman for Safety.
Earnest married the love of his life, Elesa E. Cooper, on November 25, 2000 and plummeted him in the middle of a ginormous family which he embraced wholeheartedly. Uncle Earnest, Uncle Phil, Cuzin Earnest, BBQ Man and "Jones" became a mainstay at family reunions and many, many family gatherings of the Cooper and Clary clans. He and Elesa racked up many miles attending family reunions, funerals and family gatherings. He took his role seriously cooking for gatherings, cookouts and going the extra mile making sure the children were entertained. One of the most memorable of his event plannings was a kids' camp in their backyard. Kids and adults both remember that night at Camp Jones. He was able to orchestrate this huge undertaking with help from another surrogate family, First Baptist Church Vine.
As a faithful member of First Baptist Church Vine, he was President of the Deacon and Trustee Board and a member of the Vine Street Saints. He and his wife traveled with the church often, and if the occasion called for Elesa to sing, you could catch Earnest sitting still with a slight smile on his face as his songbird sang.
If you were privileged to visit the Jones' home, two things would become immediately evident; one, there was always children or family there, and two, Earnest loved wood working. Their home and yard is a living museum of his masterful crafts. Many referred to him as "Stick Man". He was a master at carving wooden items, but he was most known for crafting wooden canes that he often gave away to others. He was known for caring for others, but if you could take a peek into their "quiet room", you'd see how he bestowed love upon his wife with many personalized trinkets and lovely roses.
Earnest Lee Jones was affectionately known by many names: Dad, "Jones", Unc, Brother Jones, "Stick Man" and Honey (from Elesa), but none brought a smile to his face more than that of being affectionately called Pawpaw. Of all the tasks and job duties he assumed throughout his life, Pawpaw was one that he perfectly mastered. It wasn't a task that he fell short on at any time. Their vehicle stayed on the move as Pawpaw duties always took precedent, whether it be running to Searcy to check on his grandson, Davion, or heading to Mississippi visiting his son(wife) and the grandkids. One of his recent and most memorable events was attending the wedding of granddaughter, Madison. His role as Nevaeh's grandfather became the center of his life after retirement. Recently Nevaeh noticed two street signs around Malvern named Earnest Street and Jones Street. "My Pawpaw is all over this town", she screamed. And he was - all over the town - sharing his wisdom and warmth.
Earnest L. Jones was predeceased by his parents, daughter, Angela Y. Jones, son, Johnathan E. Cooper, parent in laws Carthon and Vira M. Cooper, sister Lucy Gulledge and brother in law, Wendell Cooper.
Survivors: his wife, Elesa Cooper-Jones, Malvern, AR, son, Jermaine Jones (Rebecca), Tupelo, MS, Grandchildren: Davion Jones, Searcy, AR, Jordan Jones, Provo, UT, Madison Jones-Gasu (Wayne), Cameron, Gillian, Brayden and Austin Jones all of Tupelo, MS and Nevaeh Cooper, Malvern, AR. Brothers: Howard Washington (Netra), Kensett, AR and Terry Mike Jones, Searcy, AR, Sisters: Marilyn Franklin, Kansas City, MO and Carolyn Bailey (Lindel), Kensett, AR. Brother in laws: Chardell Cooper, Benton, AR, Clark Cooper, and Roger Cooper (Debra), Malvern, AR. Sister in laws: Gail Harris, Fordyce, AR, Pauletta Sherman (Samuel), Vivian Smith (Karl), Malvern, AR and Tancey Cooper, Prattsville, AR. Goddaughter Jessica Franklin, Phoenix, AZ and a special nephew C. Kordell Cooper, Malvern, AR, surrogate grandchildren: Jamarion Davis, Kelsey Alie, Keylen Ali, and Bradyn Davis, Malvern, AR and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
There will be a Home Going Celebration of his life at 11:00 am., Saturday, May 2, 2020, on the lawn at his home, which is located at 1309 Sulphur Springs Road, Malvern, Arkansas. A viewing will be held at his home that morning from 10:00 - 10:45 am. His earthly body will be laid to rest at Philadelphia Cemetery, Prattsville, Arkansas, with military honors.
Earnest Lee Jones born on May 13, 1949, to the late Elijah Jones and Vera Mae Whitney-Jones in Searcy, Arkansas. He accepted Christ at an early age under the ministry of his late grandfather, Samuel Whitney in Kensett, AR. He was a 1968 graduate of Kensett High School, Kensett, AR after being drafted by the U.S. Army where he served eight plus years. Afterwards, he served eleven years in the National Guard. He was a proud Vietnam Veteran and a member of Masonic Lodge King Solomon #473.
Returning to civilian life, he worked several years for Speed Queen in Searcy, afterwards, he was employed by Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) till his retirement for more than forty years. Earnest was fortunate to work with many grate people traveling to and through many states throughout his career meeting new people and making lifelong friends. He was well respected by the Eastern District Tie Gang and other divisions including his brother in law, Roger Cooper as a General Foreman for Safety.
Earnest married the love of his life, Elesa E. Cooper, on November 25, 2000 and plummeted him in the middle of a ginormous family which he embraced wholeheartedly. Uncle Earnest, Uncle Phil, Cuzin Earnest, BBQ Man and "Jones" became a mainstay at family reunions and many, many family gatherings of the Cooper and Clary clans. He and Elesa racked up many miles attending family reunions, funerals and family gatherings. He took his role seriously cooking for gatherings, cookouts and going the extra mile making sure the children were entertained. One of the most memorable of his event plannings was a kids' camp in their backyard. Kids and adults both remember that night at Camp Jones. He was able to orchestrate this huge undertaking with help from another surrogate family, First Baptist Church Vine.
As a faithful member of First Baptist Church Vine, he was President of the Deacon and Trustee Board and a member of the Vine Street Saints. He and his wife traveled with the church often, and if the occasion called for Elesa to sing, you could catch Earnest sitting still with a slight smile on his face as his songbird sang.
If you were privileged to visit the Jones' home, two things would become immediately evident; one, there was always children or family there, and two, Earnest loved wood working. Their home and yard is a living museum of his masterful crafts. Many referred to him as "Stick Man". He was a master at carving wooden items, but he was most known for crafting wooden canes that he often gave away to others. He was known for caring for others, but if you could take a peek into their "quiet room", you'd see how he bestowed love upon his wife with many personalized trinkets and lovely roses.
Earnest Lee Jones was affectionately known by many names: Dad, "Jones", Unc, Brother Jones, "Stick Man" and Honey (from Elesa), but none brought a smile to his face more than that of being affectionately called Pawpaw. Of all the tasks and job duties he assumed throughout his life, Pawpaw was one that he perfectly mastered. It wasn't a task that he fell short on at any time. Their vehicle stayed on the move as Pawpaw duties always took precedent, whether it be running to Searcy to check on his grandson, Davion, or heading to Mississippi visiting his son(wife) and the grandkids. One of his recent and most memorable events was attending the wedding of granddaughter, Madison. His role as Nevaeh's grandfather became the center of his life after retirement. Recently Nevaeh noticed two street signs around Malvern named Earnest Street and Jones Street. "My Pawpaw is all over this town", she screamed. And he was - all over the town - sharing his wisdom and warmth.
Earnest L. Jones was predeceased by his parents, daughter, Angela Y. Jones, son, Johnathan E. Cooper, parent in laws Carthon and Vira M. Cooper, sister Lucy Gulledge and brother in law, Wendell Cooper.
Survivors: his wife, Elesa Cooper-Jones, Malvern, AR, son, Jermaine Jones (Rebecca), Tupelo, MS, Grandchildren: Davion Jones, Searcy, AR, Jordan Jones, Provo, UT, Madison Jones-Gasu (Wayne), Cameron, Gillian, Brayden and Austin Jones all of Tupelo, MS and Nevaeh Cooper, Malvern, AR. Brothers: Howard Washington (Netra), Kensett, AR and Terry Mike Jones, Searcy, AR, Sisters: Marilyn Franklin, Kansas City, MO and Carolyn Bailey (Lindel), Kensett, AR. Brother in laws: Chardell Cooper, Benton, AR, Clark Cooper, and Roger Cooper (Debra), Malvern, AR. Sister in laws: Gail Harris, Fordyce, AR, Pauletta Sherman (Samuel), Vivian Smith (Karl), Malvern, AR and Tancey Cooper, Prattsville, AR. Goddaughter Jessica Franklin, Phoenix, AZ and a special nephew C. Kordell Cooper, Malvern, AR, surrogate grandchildren: Jamarion Davis, Kelsey Alie, Keylen Ali, and Bradyn Davis, Malvern, AR and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
There will be a Home Going Celebration of his life at 11:00 am., Saturday, May 2, 2020, on the lawn at his home, which is located at 1309 Sulphur Springs Road, Malvern, Arkansas. A viewing will be held at his home that morning from 10:00 - 10:45 am. His earthly body will be laid to rest at Philadelphia Cemetery, Prattsville, Arkansas, with military honors.
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