Clifton Jones

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith II Timothy 4:7
On the eighth day of February, 1930, a gift from God was born to Mr. & Mrs. Orlean Jones of Leona, Texas whom they named Clifton. He attended school in the Leona School District. Clifton, also known by many as Jack accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age. He joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor J. A. Jenkins, where he served as a Deacon until his health began to fail. Jack was united in holy matrimony to Ms. Ivory Pearl Wynn of Leona, Texas on August 13, 1949. To this union, they were blessed with two sons and six lovely daughters. Jack was employed as a farmer/rancher with the Keeling family of Leona.
Jack loved to sing gospel songs and was a member of the Spiritual Aires quartet group (consisting of Mr. James Polk Sr. & Sons). They traveled throughout the surrounding communities spreading the gospel through songs. After this group disbanded, Jack joined the Traveling Aires quartet group. He sang with this group for over forty years under the management of Mr. Sammy Davis. The Traveling Aires toured many states, as well as, surrounding communities. The highlight of his tenure with this group was singing on the radio for several years, (KIVY-Crockett, Texas) each Sunday morning. Each year, the Traveling Aires celebrated their Anniversary of singing. Gospel quartet singers/groups came from near and far to participate on the program.
Jack was a gentle, kind-hearted man who never met a stranger and was loved by all. When he wasnt singing, he loved to pass the time playing dominoes, a game in which he excelled in. He also told funny stories of his childhood/growing up in a small country town. Though some people called him Jack, many people just called him the barbecue man. He was well known for his expertise in cooking barbecue during the annual Association held in Leona and Centerville each September. Customers came to Jacks concession stand from as far away as California.
He had a special couple who drove from Austin, each time they saw it advertised in the Centerville newspaper, that Jack was selling barbecue from his home in Leona. (If the advertisement stated that the barbecue would be ready at 12 noon; customers would line up in the yard at 10:30a.m., bringing their containers for the special barbecue sauce that his wife Ivory Pearl made from scratch).
The Homegoing of Clifton Jack Jones leaves to cherish his precious memories: His devoted and loving wife of 67 years; Mrs. Ivory Pearl Jones, Children: Betty Kizzie(Frank), Clifton(Eartha), Mary(Leander), and Pearly Wade, all of Houston, Texas. Wandolyn Jones of Humble Texas, Eva Goffney of Hutchins, Texas and Merlin Haven (Clifton) of Waxahachie, Texas. Siblings: Velma Benson, Ethel Franklin, Lucius Reed (Doris), Gloria Thomas (Walter), Betty Garcia (Charles), Carl Reed, Margaret Fitzgerald, Debra Henderson (Kenneth), David Thomlinson (Charlotte), Jeffrey Thomlinson (Linda). Special young men who idolized Jack: Stanley and John Keeling, Robert and James Nash. Grandchildren: James Kizzie, Reginald Kizzie(DeVette), Kenneth Shepherd, Richard Ware Jr., Cynthia Cox(Lenardoe), Antoinette Goffney, Chadrick Haven, (Lakesha), Jadrain Holmes, Zquayla DeBlount, Marcus Jones. Great-Grandchildren: James, DyMonique, Jaynald, Reginald, DeAnte, Kendra, Travion, Kenneth, Marcus, Nijah, LaDarius, Saliah, Jeremiah, Tiah, Chadrick III and Kaleb. Great-Great Grandchildren: Cameron, Paris, Zion, Jayda, Myia and Zynaria. Special person: Daughter-in-law: Rosie Lee Jones, Stepmother: Josey Bishop, Stepsisters: Naomi and Jewelene Lankford. Jack was proceeded in death by his parents: Orlean and Alma Jones, son: Clyde Earl Jones. Jack will be missed by his family and friends. His memories will forever be cherished.