Homegoing celebration for Deacon Ben Jones, Jr., "Cooney," sunrise, September 1, 1921, sunset, February 18, 2009, Monday, February 23, 2009, three o'clock in the afternoon, St. Mark Baptist Church, 1456 St. Mark Church Road, Gadsden, South Carolina, Reverend Dr. Secaida Howell, Sr., pastor, Pastor Thomas Jones, eulogist

A Message To My Family & Friends
Dear family and friends,
Please be advised that I have moved, I received a call from God, the Christ Architect the other day and HE informed me that my new home was complete. You all knew that my mansion needed some finishing touches and that Chief Carpenter, JESUS CHRIST had to inspect it and give me the final approval. On the evening of February 18,2009, HE let me know that my mansion was complete and that I could move in. HE told me to go ahead and change my address.
Well, my new home is finished and what a sight to behold! It is located in an exclusive estate area behind a beautiful Pearly Gate. It is just over on the other side of serene celestial shore. Of course, you know the streets are paved with gold and everyday is Sunday, just like you've been told. I can walk and talk with my MASTER with not a worry or a care.
I resided at 925 Goodwin Way, in Gadsden, SC., but my new home is so much better than any other place I have ever lived. There is peace here, joy happiness, no pain or heartache, no more pills or doctors, no strife or discontent, only sweet serenity. I can dine at the MASTERS bountiful table and sing with the HEAVENLY CHOIR! And Best of all, my HEAVENLY FATHER is here in all HIS Glory! And oh yes, I have my own designer here who has fitted me with my very own white robe. I could go on and on about my new home, but instead pray that you get to move here yourself someday! Before I go through, let me give you my new address:
Ben Jones, Jr. 88 Glorious Avenue Godstown, Heaven 88889
P.S. I don't have a telephone number or a cell phone, but you can always call on GOD. If you don't know HIS number, read your BIBLE, it is listed on every page!
Peace and Love Always, Brother Ben

HONORARY PALLBEARERS Deacons of St. Mark Baptist Church
PALLBEARERS Deacons & Trustees of St. Mark Baptist Church
FLORAL BEARERS Deaconess Ministry of St. Mark Baptist Church
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The family of the late Deacon Ben "Cooney" Jones, Jr. wishes to acknowledge with heartfelt appreciation all expressions of sympathy extended to us during this time of celebration. Your prayers, calls and other gestures of love have made this time easier to bear. May God forever bless each of you.
-The Jones Family
Bostick-Tomp*kins Funeral Home 2930 ColonialT
Columbia, South Carolina 29203 (803) 254-:
Willie A. Tompkins, "Service By Professionals"

Deacon Ben Jones, Jr.
"Cooney"

Sunrise September 1,1921

Sunset February 18,2009

Monday, February 23,2009
Three o'clock in the Afternoon
St. Mark Baptist Church
1456 St. Mark Church Road Gadsden, South Carolina
^ Reverend Dr. Secaida Howell, Sr., Pastor ^ Pastor Thomas Jones, Eulogist
JM'*
6

The Order of Service

Prelude........

............ Organist

Processional

.Clergy & Family

St. Maric^fc^urdk Choir

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament - Psalm 90: 1-10

Rev. Herbert Mosely

New Testament - I Thessalonians 4: 13-18 Min. Frank Sims

Prayer of Comfort....................................................... Bishop Odell Sims

Selection............................................................. St. Mark Church Choir

Remarks............................................... Ms. Pearly Williams, Daughter Deacon Doctor Adams
Poem................................................... Mr. Dairic Tate, Great-grandson

Family Tribute........................................... ..............Dr. Shirley Lathon
Granddaughter reared in the home
Selection........................................................................The Sims Singers

Pastoral Reflection.......................Rev. Dr. Secaida Howell, Sr., Pastor

Solo..................................... Evangelist Joanne Jones, Daughter-in-law

Words of Comfort.........................................Pastor Thomas Jones, Son
Pastor, Philippi Baptist Church, Prosperity, SC
Viewing of Loved One...............................Bostick-Tompkins, Directors
Recessional

SERVICES OF COMMENDATIONS
Committal, Closing Prayer & Interment
St. Mark Baptist Church Cemetery
1456 St. Mark Church Road Gadsden, South Carolina

In Loving Memory
of
DEACON BEN JONES, JR.
"COONEY"
"Pm Free"
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free, I'm following the path God has laid you see.
I took His hand when I heard His call, I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work, or play, I found the peace at the close of the day.
If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joys. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Oh yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full, I savored much, Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don't lengthen it now with undo grief. Lift up your heart and peace to theeGod wanted me now; He set me free.

The Obituary
Deacon Ben Jones, Jr. entered into eternal rest on
Wednesday, February 18 , 2009, at Palmetto Health Baptist Medical Center in Columbia, South Carolina. Ben was bom on September 1, 1921, in Gadsden, South Carolina, the beloved son of the late Ben Harrison and Mariah (Goodson) Jones.
Deacon Jones was preceded in death by his 1st companion of over sixty years, Deaconess Lucille "Mutt" Sims Jones. This union was blessed with the births of eight children.
Deacon Jones later found comfort when he met Emma Cooper. They were united in marriage on May 16, 2003.
Affectionately called "Cooney" by family and friends, Deacon Jones was a loving husband, father, Deacon and Church Worker. Above all this, he was a community servant, better yet, a "community taxi" without charge.
Deacon Jones was a faithful member of the St. Mark Baptist Church where he served on the Senior Choir, Missionary Society #2 Ministry and the Deacon's Ministry where he served for more than (52) fifty-two years.
Though physically he is no longer with us, his loving and kind spirit will live on in the lives of all those who loved, admired, respected and knew him.
He was also preceded in death by two grandsons who were reared in the home, David and Ronald Robinson.
Deacon Jones leaves to cherish his fond and precious memories, his loving wife, Emma Cooper Jones; six (6) sons, James (Deborah) Jones, Pastor Thomas (Joanne) Jones, both of Columbia, S.C.; Benjamin (Mary) Jones, Leroy Jones, William (Thelma) Jones and Theodore Jones, all ofGadsden, SC; two (2) daughters, Dorothy (Will) Edmond of Hopkins, SC; and Juanita (Julius) Higgins of Gadsden, SC; grandchildren reared in the home, Darrell (Karen) Robinson of Gadsden, SC; Barbara (Roberto) Lowe of Verono, VA; Donald Robinson of Gadsden, SC; and Dr. Shirley (Ricky) Lathon ofNewnan, GA; two stepdaughters, Pearly Williams of Hopkins, SC; and Evonne Cooper ofGadsden, SC; five (5) brothers, James (Mildred) Jones of Jesup, MD; William T. Sims, Deacon Harry (Louise) Sims, Minister Frank Sims, and Bishop Odell (Mary) Sims, all of Gadsden, SC; eight (8) sisters, Evelyn Wilson, Amie Williams, Amy Sims, Evangelist Willie B. Sims, Margaret Anderson, Eleanor Boyd, Ella (Clarence) Felder and Janie M. Sims, all of Gadsden, SC; three (3) sisters-in-law, Ruth Jones of Washington, D.C.; Gladys Goodson and Mary (William) Posey, both the Eastover, SC; thirty-two (32) grandchildren, sixty-four (64) great grandchildren, and twelve (12) great-great grandchildren; a host of nephews, nieces; and other loving relatives and friends all whom will dearly miss him, but rejoice that he is with the Lord.