Edward G. Jones, Jr.

Wednesday, January 25, 2017, with his family by his side, holding his hand Mr. Edward G. Jones, Jr. passed away.

Edward was born April 1st, 1931 to Edward Sr. and Emetta Jones in Yakima, WA. He was the 3rd of 5 siblings (in birth-order: Nellie, Herbert, Edward Jr, Valeria, and Willie). Their father past away in 1939 and shortly after their mother was institutionalized. As a result, the siblings were separated, 4 were put into foster care and Ed was committed to a secure state mental health facility for youth in Buckley Washington. He resided there for nearly 40 years. With the help of his sister-in-law, Ruth Jones, the family reunited in the late 70s early 80s. She was the guiding force and catalyst to bring them back together again. Ruth was able to get him released from the facility and into an assisted living facility in Centralia. Ed was given a second chance at life, one of freedom. Upon moving to Centralia, he began working for the county, carrying a job for many years. He had been trained to do electrical work as well as building home furniture and doors. Ed was a hard worker, earning several Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year honors. He took pride in a job well done.
Ed enjoyed his new freedom and got to know his community. He enjoyed walking and taking the bus in both Centralia and Chehalis, making friends everywhere he went. He loved to meet and greet new people. Even in retirement, he continued to be a participating member of the community, volunteering for the Salvation Army.
In his spare time, Ed enjoyed going to church, playing guitar listening to country music, and watching Westerns. He would often spend time with his brother and nieces watching Westerns together.
The reuniting of the family drew a very close relationship with his brother Herb and his family. They enjoyed years of family visits, holidays, travelling, and special one-on-one time. He became an integral part of the family. In addition to his birth family, he grew a surrogate family in Centralia, at Candlewood Senior Apartments, Riverside Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and his many friends in the community. He was not alone. He developed social and family relationships that he valued until the end. The many nurses, social workers, and community members were a major part of Ed’s success, teaching him how to be a part of the world again.
Ed’s story is one filled with significant and tremendous barriers throughout his life. But it is also one of overcoming incredible odds. His later years were happy. He was able to grow from a life of institutional living, into one where he was an active participant with family and in the community. It speaks to his strength and perseverance.

Edward was blessed with a family that loved him dearly. He leaves to mourn his passing his brother, Willie B Jones (wife Gloria) of Oakland, CA, as well as 4 nieces and 1 nephew: Sabrina Dade (husband LeFont) of Lakewood, WA; Herbert A. Jones Jr (wife Mitzi) of Jacksonville, FL; Danae Howe (husband J. Marcus-Deceased) of Aliso Viejo, CA; Alicia Shewmaker (husband Michael) of Los Angeles, CA; and Ashley West (husband Jerrell) of Fresno, CA. Preceding him in death are his parents, sisters Nellie Lay and Valeria Jones, and brother Herbert A. Jones Sr.
Edward will be dearly missed and holds a special place in each of our hearts.