John Albert Ames

Born on March 8, 1955, in Lafayette, Louisiana, John grew up in Church Point, where he graduated from Church Point High School. Shortly after, he joined the U.S. Army and proudly served as a Sergeant. During his military service, John earned the National Defense Service Medal (NDSM), Army Good Conduct Medal (AGCM), and qualified as a Sharpshooter for the Auto Rifle. In 1977, he was honorably discharged and transitioned back to civilian life.

John pursued a career as a licensed real estate agent and later joined Southwestern Bell (later AT&T) as a technician, earning multiple certifications throughout his career before retiring in 2008.

A dedicated advocate for workers’ rights, John served as a union representative for the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local Union 6222. He championed higher wages, better working conditions, and equal opportunities for his peers. John also led picket lines and organized strikes, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of many workers.

In 1979, John married the love of his life, Sherel. Together, they shared 45 years of marriage filled with love and partnership.

John’s spiritual journey began at the age of nine when he received his first Holy Communion at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church in Church Point, Louisiana. After relocating to Houston in 1978, John joined Joy Tabernacle, where he served in the audio and visual ministry as a sound technician, videographer, and editor. He also served in the prayer ministry, often laying hands and praying with others, offering spiritual comfort and guidance. John was instrumental in helping his children, nieces, nephews, and others come into the faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ. His ministry continued at The Grace Church of Houston until his health began to decline.

A man of many passions, John loved sports, especially cheering on the Houston Texans, Astros, and Rockets. He was also a longtime member of the Blynd League Fantasy Football League, where his love of competition and camaraderie shone through. Known for his creativity, John was rarely seen without a camcorder in hand. He and Sherel worked on several television and documentary projects, earning multiple broadcasting awards.

Affectionately known as “Bear” to his family, John was a jokester who loved making others laugh. He was a skilled spades and dominoes player, a storyteller with a gift for captivating his audience, and a devoted husband, father, and friend.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry Ames and Mary Rose Colligan; brothers, Mitchell Ames (Corine), Bruce Ames, and Tony Ames; sisters, Hazel Ames, Martha Guillory (Jimmy), and Augustine Ames; maternal grandparents, Albert and Eva Colligan; and paternal grandparents, Henry and Philosia Ames.

John’s legacy lives on through his devoted wife, Sherel Ames; daughters, Taunja Fisher (Michael), Eltha Nikenge Ames, Tanisha Bodden (Ahmaal), and Toi Ames; grandchildren, Jasmine Ames, LeJoi Thomas, Ebony Joiner, Troy Joiner, Kevin Thomas II, Jordyn Bodden, Zoe Bodden, Kayson Williams, and Zion Bodden; great-grandchildren, J’Haven Rosette, Jadon Rosette, Jahvon Ames, and Levi Joiner; siblings, Charles Ames (Clara) and Grace Citizen; Brothers and Sisters In-Law Sandra Washington (Johnny), Barbara Thompson (Larry), Verdell Sutphen Jr (Brenda), Belinda DeWitt, and Patrick Sutphen (Terry); and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, and family friends.

John Albert Ames will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his advocacy for others, his love of family, and his infectious sense of humor. His legacy of love and laughter will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

A visitation for John will be held Thursday, January 23, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038.

Following the visitation will be a committal service from 1:15 PM to 1:45 PM at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038.