Joe Lawrence Jones, 83, of Wilmar, passed away March 18, 2025. Born April 7, 1941, to the late Otto and Velma Jones. He grew up in Wilmar, AR. and joined Mt. Tabor Baptist Church as a young child and remained a member until his health declined and he was no longer able to attend. He graduated from Drew High School in Monticello, AR. in 1960.
In 1966, Joe moved to Chicago, IL. and worked at Western Electric Company. He met Angela Orr in 1967, and they were married on November 9, 1968. They moved back to Joe’s hometown of Wilmar, AR., in 1974, where they remained until his passing. He worked as a carpenter, electrician, and all-around handyman. When he wasn’t helping out his neighbors, he worked at Burlington Industries until his retirement in 2003. He also served many years as a member of the Wimar Public School Board until the school consolidation in 1991.
Joe was preceded in death by three children, Yvonne Jones, Charles Davis, Clyde Johnson; siblings, Myrtle King, Mildred Bass, Eddie Bass, Margaret Ragland, Marie Jones, Lamar Jones, and Sharon Ann Henderson.
He is survived by his wife, Angela Jones; children, Clifford Davis (Phyllis) of Carson, CA., Wanda Veasey (Melvin) of North Little Rock, AR., Rochelle Jones, Felicia Jones, Yolanda Dillard (Reginald) all of Aubrey, TX., Jennifer Jones of Wilmar; daughter-in-law, Stacey Johnson of Kansas City, KS.; siblings, Bobbie Webb of Kansas City, MO., Georgia Hammock, Eunice Shorter both of Wilmar, AR., Artis Jones (Brenda) of Kansas City, KS; sister-in-law, Elmarie Jones of Wilmar, AR.; grandsons, Dwight Davis (Maria), Melvin Veasey Jr., Darryl Jones, Caleb Davis (Roni), Dresean Johnson, Chase Dillard; granddaughters, Keyatta Orr-Sanders (Lance), Jetuan Orr, Brittany Veasey, Ronda Orr, April Jones; great grandchildren, Deon (Whitney), Keylan Sanders, Kyla Sanders, Jae’dyn Harris, Jessie Edwards, Miranda Veasey, Justin Harris, Ai’dian Adekale, Jada Jackson, Anjelina Johnson, Melvin Veasey III, Caleb Davis Jr., Story Davis, Amani Johnson; special friend, Laron Graggs; a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral service was held March 29 at Greater Shady Grove AME Church in Wilmar, AR. with Rev. Marvin Mosby officiating and Rev. Elmo Shorter Jr. eulogist. Burial was in Wilmar Cemetery, Wilmar, AR. Arrangements by Hammons Funeral Home.
