10/21/2020

Obituary for Pernel Jones Sr.

Funeral Director and Father of Pernel Jones Jr. and Michael Jones, all of Pernel Jones & Sons Funeral Home

Pernel Jones Sr. was born December 22, 1941 in Baltimore, Maryland. He was the 7th of 10 children born to the union of Marshall Sr. and Viola Jones. He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Baltimore.

He was educated in the Baltimore City Public Schools, graduating from Dunbar High School. Pernel Jones was a graduate of the Peabody Preparatory School of Music, where he was an excellent pianist. Pernel received a Music scholarship to attend Howard University. He would continue his education at Temple University’s Echols College of Mortuary Science.

Pernel met and married Anita Louise Byrd, and to this union two sons where born Pernel Jones Jr. and Michael David Jones.

Pernel Jones Sr. would then be called to serve his country. He was drafted into the United States Armed Forces, where he served for 2 years in the Army. He was honorably discharged in 1968.

Pernel Jones Sr. began his career as a funeral director working alongside his oldest brother Marshall W. Jones Jr. at the Marshall W. Jones Jr. Funeral Home in Baltimore. As Pernel worked alongside family, he sought to find more challenges in his life. Pernel decided to open his own funeral home. It was at this time he found the perfect place where he could grow his business and family. He settled on making Cleveland, Ohio his home. In 1973, He opened the Pernel Jones Funeral Home. He made an effort to make himself a part of the Cleveland Community. He served on over 25 various Boards and Charitable Organizations, such as the City of Cleveland Civil Service Commission, Hough Salvation Army Advisory Board, the Cuyahoga County Republican Party and the Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors. He was also a member of the Cleveland Big Brother & Big Sister Organization and the Masonic Rising Heights Lodge. He was a trustee and founding member of the New Second Metropolitan Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Thomas Almond.

Pernel Jones Sr. worked diligently to build a business that would flourish and grow. Throughout the 80’s he worked as a Bailiff for the Cuyahoga County Probate Court, until his growing business demanded he retire. But he did not allow his growing business to interfere with being a father to his two sons. It was his nurturing that brought his two sons into the business and Pernel proudly changed the name to The Pernel Jones & Sons Funeral Home with his sons by his side, Pernel would continue to grow his business, building a new larger facility in 1998.

Pernel has been a blessing to many; and has left a lasting legacy for his family. Pernel Jones Sr. went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 6, 2020. He was preceded in death by his parents Viola and Marshall W. Jones Sr. and siblings Ella, Freddy, Paul and Maceo Jones. He leaves to mourn: two sons, Cuyahoga County Councilman Pernel (Tammy) Jones Jr. and Michael David Jones; two brothers Marshall W. Jones Jr. and Warren Jones; three sisters Vivian Jones, Joyce Jones and Brenda Jones; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives and friends. Viewing was held, Monday, October 19, 3-7PM, at: Pernel Jones & Sons Funeral Home 7120 Cedar Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44103, Wake was held, Tuesday, October 20, 5PM and Funeral Services were, Wednesday, October 21, 10AM both at Mt Sinai Baptist, 7510 Woodland Ave Cleveland, Ohio 44104.