Edward H. Jones

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Edward H. Jones, age 81 of Columbia Heights, formerly of Philadelphia. Died April 22, 2002. Born and raised in Gastonia, NC. Graduated from Temple University, Philadelphia. Served in U.S. Army & Air Forces in W.W. II becoming the first Black Warrant Officer. Advocated for racial equality in employment and housing in Philadelphia and pioneered in overcoming pre-1965 barriers in these areas, becoming the first person of color hired at ARCO and later at the Internal Revenue Service. Also held positions as Assoc. Dir. of Community Mental Health and Dir. of Personnel in the U.S. Forestry Service in Philadelphia. Worked in Zambia and Ethiopia with political and economic refugees. Served as deacon and elder at Berean Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia and at Andrew Riverside Presbyterian Church in Mpls. Helped establish scholarship fund for city youth, chaired the Committee for Self Development of People and served on World Service Committee to aid in areas of natural disaster. Charter member of Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship Fund in Mpls. Struggled with Alzheimer's Disease, never letting go of his love for music, his vibrant spirit and his faith in God's grace. Special thanks to the staff at Presbyterian Homes of Arden Hills. Preceded in death by parents; brother, Lloyd, and sisters Nettie and Von. Survived by wife, Lorna; daughter, Karen Jones (Richard) Jenkins of Philadelphia; grandson, Daniel of Philadelphia; stepson, Tichafa Murimirwa of Columbia Heights; sister, Dorothy Matthews of Philadelphia. Memorial Service at Andrew Riverside Presbyterian Church in Mpls, 729 4th St SE on Saturday April 27th at 11:00 AM,(612) 331-1511. Memorials preferred to Andrew Riverside Church. Arrangements by Cremation Society of Minnesota, 612-825-2435.

Published on April 24, 2002