George Bo Jones

George William “Bo” Jones died Friday, January 3, 2025 at Hospice of West Alabama at the age of 46. He was born in Birmingham, AL on December 8, 1978 to Debbie Lamb. Bo was the oldest of four boys and most definitely the boss of the entire family. Bo is survived by his parents Mike and Debbie Jones, brothers Dusty Jones (Jill) and Chase Jones, his niece Mary Carolynn Jones and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends too long to list. Bo is preceded in death by his younger brother Treavor Jones, Grandparents Carolyn and Homer Lamb and Ann and Melvin Jones, Uncle Jimmy Lamb, Aunt Kim Lamb, and Aunt Deanna Jones.

When Bo was born in 1978 doctors were unsure of many things other than he had limitations which would prevent him from walking, speaking, or living much past the age of adolescence. Debbie began to pray the doctors were wrong and in 1980 when Mike Jones met Bo, he knew the doctors would be wrong. Mike Jones stepped into a ready-made family with three babies and never once saw the limits rather the possibilities in Bo Jones.

Bo imitated everything the twins, Dusty and Treavor, did. He learned to crawl with them, walk when they did, and in 1984 he started kindergarten at Alberta Elementary School just like the twins would. He later attended Northington Elementary in the first grade before settling in at his beloved Oakhill School. At seven years old Bo began to talk, A LOT! In fact, Bo wouldn’t stop talking. He became so confident and clever during his time there that he attended summer camps, learned to swim, dress himself, feed himself, wash and fold towels, brush his teeth, make his bed, bowl, play softball, and even write his name! At one point he even had a job at O’ Charley’s! Bo pushed his limits in other ways also. He competed in the Special Olympics and received medals for track and field as well as swimming. Bo was so treasured that in 1997 when he graduated from Oakhill School in what was to be a quick, small service, the location had to be adjusted and chairs brought in to accommodate the huge crowd that had come to cheer on the boy who had pushed all his limits.

That was just the beginning of his limitless life. He was a lover of people. Bo’s favorite thing to do was be around his brothers’ friends, specifically the girls. Some of his favorite moments were spent hugging one girl while telling another he didn’t love them anymore. Bo loved to laugh and make others laugh too. He would always come out with a loud and off topic punchline and snicker, quite pleased with himself. Things like “Mommy Old” or “Duane Ran Road” or “Dwight Drank Shampoo” would always make their way into conversation. He was fanatical about the people who had peppered his life and would always, ALWAYS ask you to “look see” for them any time you came or left. In fact, if you had not seen somebody you were better off just saying you had and that they asked where Bo was. Every trip required someone to run into Sammy Watson, Chief Swindle, Mayor Dupont, Toot-toot, Debbie Anderson, Carol Reed, John Cain, Kevin Junkin, Beth Anderson, Tori Farmer, Marilyn Miller, Joyce Snider, Lisa Pike, Jamie Lee, Sandy Todd, Shenika Moss, Brooks, Sandra Pike, Becci Rohrer Hauser, Marcia Parr, and Lynda Mitchell.

Bo also loved to be on the go. He was always up for a trip to a hotel as long as it was near a Pizza Hut. He loved Dollywood, Gatlinburg, the Beach, Alabama football and baseball, spending the day with MawMaw and Chachi the dog, listening to Uncle Duane play at the VFW, Chuck-E-Cheese, Sunday mornings with Chase, and you better believe he would be as close to the stage at any concert there was at the Amphitheatre.

Most importantly, Bo was limitless in the lessons he taught us. Bo never met a day with sorrow, always ready to give anyone a smile. Bo found joy in simple things, a coke from Jacks ( or as he would say, loudly Jack n Coke), listening to Reba on replay, getting the mail each Friday to see who would be at church that week, or wind suits and soft black gloves. Bo never forgot a face and made everyone feel welcome. He was a child at heart, a fan of Santa and Batman, Big Bird, and Mickey Mouse and Snoopy. He loved his Carolynn and would watch her flipping around then announce “Mary Carolynn go kindergarten” because she was his baby.

When Bo Jones was born in 1978 doctors could have never prepared anyone for this limitless and extraordinary life he would lead. While Bo may not have learned or spoke or progressed in ways others do, his life was no less full or astonishing. The hole his absence leaves behind will not be filled.

The Celebration of Life will be conducted by Pastor Gil McKee, Minister Dusty Jones, and lifelong friend Deborah Anderson. Special Music will be led by Duane Lamb, Jill Jones, Barbara Smith, and Mark Jones. The pallbearers for his services will be Jeff Jones, Tim Jones, Dave Terry, Dwight Lamb, Don Lamb, Danny Hamilton, Wes Jones, and David Ewing. The honorarium pallbearers will be Dr. Jared Ellis and staff, Dr. Grant Williams and staff, the Shaver Sunday School Class, the TCHS Girls Group, Hospice of West Alabama, the Oak Hill faculty and friends, and the Manderson Cancer Center.

Services for Bo Jones will be Thursday, January 9th, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Tuscaloosa at 2:00pm. Visitation will be in the First Baptist Church Sanctuary one hour prior to the service at 1:00pm. The family will hold a private burial and they appreciate your prayers. If you would like, donations may be made to First Baptist Church Tuscaloosa, Hospice of West AL, or your favorite charity in memory of Bo. Any floral deliveries should be sent to First Baptist Church Tuscaloosa.