Richard L. Jones Memorial Service Program

Celebration Of Life

Richard L. Jones

October 30, 1966 - December 1, 2021

Saturday, December 11, 2021 11:00 a.m.

Abyssinia Missionary Baptist Church
10325 Interstate Center Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32218

In Loving Memory

Richard Lamar Jones “Jeff”

Richard Lamar “Jeff” Jones was born October 30, 1966, in Jacksonville, Florida. Always eager to
learn and explore what the world had to offer, he was the oldest of 3 children born to Richard
and Sandra “Sandy” Jones. Richard’s passion for helping others and his larger-than-life
personality was infectious. He accepted people for who they are and encouraged everyone to
be authentic in life and honest in their interactions. He was a compassionate man in every
aspect of life and lived his life authentically and honestly as he encouraged others to live their
lives.

Richard’s early years were spent in Jacksonville, FL, where he graduated from William M.
Raines Senior High School – Class of 1984. Richard enjoyed learning, and he especially
enjoyed reading. He enthusiastically encouraged everyone around him to enrich their lives
through education, self-awareness and spiritual enlightenment. His passion for learning led
him to further his education. He was the recipient of a Bachelor of Arts degree in English
Literature from University of North Florida, Jacksonville. After receiving his BA degree,
Richard continued his education at Mississippi State University where he received a Master of
Science degree in Counselor Education and Student Development. At the time of his passing,
Richard was completing his EdD in Education Leadership, Policy and Law (dissertation) at
Alabama State University. Richard was an exceptional contributor for over 13 years with
Rowan University, most recently serving as Vice President, Student Engagement.

Richard loved getting to know all people! He met no stranger and was unconditionally
generous; giving the tie off of his neck, the belt around his waist or the shoes off his feet if
you needed them. His wisdom was beyond his age, and he was accomplished in his personal
and professional life. His greatest personal accomplishment was giving his life to our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ. His faith in God was unwavering and he was passionate in expressing his
fervent love for the Lord through song and recitations. Richard was an active, devoted and
proud member of the Atlantic City, NJ. Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha PsiFraternity,
Incorporated.

Richard was an advocate for all students. He had a passion for
creating opportunities for students from educationally and
economically disadvantaged backgrounds. He was instrumental in
starting many groups and organizations, including Project IMPACT, a
program dedicated to increasing and supporting male teachers in K-12
classrooms, the Men of Color Alliance; and the office of Social Justice,
Inclusion & Conflict Resolution. He supported, created and
participated in other programs like The Educational Opportunity
Fund, A.S.P.I.R.E. (Achievement, Success, and Progress through
Initiative, Respect and Excellence), Achieving the Dream Scholarship
Program and Harley Flack Mentoring Program. Richard was the
recipient of the 25 Most Influential African Americans in New Jersey
(South Jersey Journal), 2017 & 2018, Dedicated Professional Award
(Rowan University, Office of Disability Resources), 2019 and JV
Educational Leadership Award for Outstanding Leaders Within the
Field of Higher Education, 2020. His role as a beloved, respected
personal mentor to hundreds of students will have a long-lasting
ripple effect for years to come.

In Loving Memory

Richard was an excellent orator! Whether he was speaking with his students about their goals
and life’s desires, collaborating with colleagues to develop and implement programs or
critiquing the latest movie, song or fashion style, Richard was always ready for a spirited
debate. His words were eloquent, inspiring and thought-provoking. He was meticulous with his
words, a walking thesaurus is what his mother called him, and would offer correction in a
constructive and gentle manner.

He adored his family and will leave to cherish his memory his loving parents, Richard and
Sandra Jones; dedicated foster son, Roger Loatman; devoted sister, Angela Owens (Gerald);
spirited brother, Robert Jones; aunts, Carleen Brooks, Ruth Teasley, Savannah, GA, Barbara
Reed, Barbara Pulliam (James), Augusta, GA, Mary Ann Battle, Juanita Scott, Donna Pusey,
Carolyn Stark, Joanne Griffin (Lynn), Annette Bennett; uncles, Edward Manigault (Miriam),
Miramar, FL, Lilton Moore (Leola), Henry Mincey, Yorktown, VA; nieces, Tykena Gilbert and
Robbi Jones; nephews, Gerald W. Owens, Robert G. Jones Jr, Joshua Owens, special cousins,
Kathy Tunsill, André Brooks (Charmaine), Toni Bouvier Mitchell (Gary), Stephanie Manigault,
Chevella Harris (Antonio), Demetrius Reed, Greg Manigault (Audra), Gina Scott, Kay Scott,
Nichole Battle Thompson, Lilton Moore Sr. (Chrystal), Lakesha Moore, Colin Smith, Shawn
Tunsill, Philip Tunsill (Sherika), Christian Merritt, Toya Bailey, Adolphus Pusey, Holly Pusey,
Angelika Pusey and a host of other nieces, nephews and cousins.

Richard transitioned to be with the Lord on December 1, 2021,
after a short battle with pancreatic cancer, with his mother and
his sister at his bedside. We rejoice and give thanks to God for
allowing us the privilege of being a part of the dynamic life he
lived. To have had such a respectful son, loving and supportive
brother, cherished family member, friend, mentor and inspirer
of life has truly been a blessing. Richard has left a legacy that
will live forever through his family, his friends and the students
he mentored over the years.

Ephesians 6: 10-18

(Richard’s favorite scripture)

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His
might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and
blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of
[b]the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the
heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you
may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on
the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the
preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith
with which, you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked
one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God, praying always with all prayer and
supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all
perseverance and supplication for all the saints.

Writing Excerpt

Program

REVEREND RICHARD BLACK, PRESIDING

Processional Choir

Old Testament Scripture Minister Kimberly Allen

New Testament Scripture Minister Linda Scott

Invocation Reverend James Sumpter

Selection Choir

Words of Comfort Rev., Dr. Eugene W. Diamond

Selection Choir

A TRIBUTE TO “MY BROTHER”
MEMBERS OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY, INCORPORATED

Reflections Two minutes please
Acknowledgement Robbin Frazier and Robin Turner
Resolution Abyssinia Missionary Baptist
Remarks Deacon Quincy Harp, District #1
Committal Rev., Dr. Eugene W. Diamond
Recessional





FLOWER ATTENDANTS | DEACONESSES | USHERS
FAMILY FRIENDS

Acknowledgement

The family of Richard L. Jones are most grateful to God for the gift
of friends like you who have been so kind and thoughtful during
this time of sorrow. Your prayers, visits, calls, flowers and every
act of kindness has given us strength and inspiration during the
sudden passing and bereavement of our loved one, Richard. May
God’s richest blessings be with you all.

-The Family-




Program design | The Spice Factory
Video Tribute | SUGARRUSH Marketing Shop