Willie Roosevelt Jones

“Something that is loved is never lost.”

Willie Roosevelt Jones, 82, from Landover, MD gained his heavenly wings on Monday, April 24, 2023 after a short illness while in Holy Cross Hospital, Silver Spring MD.

Willie was born on September 10, 1940, to Isabelle and Roosevelt Jones in Lancaster, South Carolina. He grew up in Lancaster, SC, with his parents and older brother Arthur along with many relatives nearby. In 1961, Willie graduated from Barr Street High School in Lancaster, SC. While in high school, he loved playing basketball and was an exceptional player, however, a knee injury kept him from competing in the sport. After high school, he moved to Washington, DC for better job opportunities and initially lived with his grandmother Hattie Gregory.

In 1964, he married the love of his life, Christine Raymond. Together they raised four daughters and one son. Initially after marrying, Willie and his new wife resided at her family home on Eastern Ave in Fairmount Heights MD. Next, moving to Alabama Ave S.E. in Washington DC. And in 1973 he and his wife settled in Landover, MD to raise their growing family.

For Willie, summer vacations were always important because it was time well spent with his parents, brother, cousins, aunts, and friends. He was known to Lancaster family and friends as “Rose”. When he would visit his family home, it wouldn't take long before folks were sitting around the old apple tree in the yard and talking the night away. He enjoyed cooking, fishing, watching his favorite sports, going through family photos, and most of all smiling.

Willie worked with the Prince George's County Public Schools for 35 years. He retired in October 2015. Upon retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren along with extended family and friends. In his final year of life his time was spent lovingly with his family. Willie had a peaceful spirit and he was always willing to help others in need.

Willie is preceded in death by his mother, Isabelle Jones; father, Roosevelt Jones; brother, Arthur Jones; daughter, Jackie Jones. He is survived by wife, Christine Jones; daughters, Wanda Jones, Kayce Jones and Ronnie Jones; and son, Willie Jones. Grandchildren: Takita, Tianna, Christina, Trevor, Demasia, Jabari, Nazir, Tanyia, Tavion, Nia, Nadia, Naomi; Great-grandchildren: Jalaan, Amarie, Niyel, Adrian, Cairo, Seth, Zayn, Karon, and a host of other family and friends.

Services will be held at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, 3401 Bladensburg Rd., Brentwood MD, on May 11, 2023. Viewing will be at 12:30pm, services at 1:30pm and repast at 2:30pm.