OBITUARY

Otis Jones

March 26, 1938 – December 23, 2020

Otis Van Cliff Jones was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, on March 26, 1938, to the late Ani Walter Jones and Thelma Griffin Jones. Otis was the third of six children. Otis attended Second Ward Colored Elementary School and graduated in June 1951. He then went on to attend W. O. Boston High School, graduating in June of 1956. Otis continued his education at Grambling State College majoring in Math and English. On June 27, 1970 he married the love of his life, Rose Cheryl Wimberly. Otis was a devoted husband, regularly referring to his wife as “Sweets,” since that’s what Rose was to him! They recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. The two enjoyed traveling the country, especially by car, which occurred more frequently when their family of two grew to four. Otis and Rose welcomed Pedrick and Charity, where they often enjoyed family vacations and spending time together. Otis worked for Ford Motor Company for 35 years. During his retirement, he remained the family social butterfly. He was very actively engaged with his high school classmates, friends from Grambling, former colleagues from Ford, along with friends and family up until God called him home on December 23rd, 2020. Otis was actively involved at Second Baptist Church in Ann Arbor, serving as a trustee and deacon for a number of decades. He could be found sitting on the front pew of the church every Sunday morning. As a man of many talents, time and distance was not an issue for him. He once spent the better part of a year in Georgia working on his brother’s house. His various skills had a positive impact on many communities, including Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia, and Louisiana. Otis was a lending hand when you needed it most. He could fix a variety of household items and was always ready to lend a hand or a tool to a fellow neighbor or friend. One of his favorite pastimes was tending to his garden, planting his favorite red geraniums. Or supporting his grandchildren in their many extracurricular activities. Everyone could benefit from his kind and giving nature. Otis was a servant, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all. Otis is preceded in death by his parents; Ani and Thelma Jones, his oldest brother; Sidatsingh Jones, two sisters; Mary Elizabeth Jones, and Ester Ruth Curtis. He leaves behind a legacy of love and faith. He is survived by loving wife; Rose Cheryl Jones, brothers; Richard (Katherine) Jones, William A. Jones; sons Craig Lewis, Pedrick (Angel) Jones, daughter; Charity Woods, sister-in-law; Janie (Douglas) Wimberly, brother-in-law; James Wimberly, his precious grandchildren; Brittany Manuel, Alani Letang, Skylan Jones, Xavier Paige, Heavyn Dyer-Jones, great-granddaughter; Summer Anne Manuel, Nieces and Nephews; Wanda Ramirez, Armand Jones, Danielle Jones, Shalamar Curtis and Darlene Curtis. State of Michigan COVID-19 guidelines will be followed; Family hour will be from 10:00 A.M. until 12: P.M. The Home Going Service will be Private, with Family only and limited to 25 people. Your cooperation is appreciated. Please go to the funeral chapel website for further information on the live stream funeral service.

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  • Family Hour

    Saturday, January 2, 2021

  • Home Going Services

    Saturday, January 2, 2021

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Otis Jones

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Sharon Peterson Jackson

January 4, 2021

Cheryl and Family
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine. May you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Otis will be sorely missed, he was a dear friend and co-worker. ❤️
Sharon Peterson Jackson
Ann Arbor, Mich.

Donna Newlon

January 3, 2021

Can you ever imagine our delight in living next to Otis for 20 years? What an adventure!! Years ago I put out my "lighted " reindeer kind of between our two houses. Next day Otis comes over and tells me something's going on with my reindeer. I assumed it must have come unplugged. Went out & there were now 3 lighted reindeer. I never laughed so hard! Our little "herd" was a delight for many years. A friend called to tell me about Otis, and particularly about the wonderful picture that was in the memorial. Well, I was blessed enough to see a tie & coat every single Sunday for 20 years as he NEVER missed seeing his Lord. His devotion to God, his family, his work and his friends was simply incredible. How blessed we were to have this kind, gentle and loving man in our lives. I can only imagine what he & Steve are "working" on up there, but I'm sure they're sharing some of Otis's fabulous potato salad. I know we're all praying for Cheryl for a quick and complete recovery & I send love & blessings to his wonderful family. I love you guys!!!

Edith Lewis

January 3, 2021

Yesterday, at the Homegoing Celebration for Otis Jones, a friend sang “If I can help somebody”. It was such a fitting tribute to a remarkable man who helped everybody, and whose living was certainly not in vain. As one who benefitted from the Wimberly and Jones’ families generosity for almost 40 years, I will always be grateful to all for their kindness. We continue to pray for this family, for Rose Cheryl’s recovery and for the love Otis shared to continue to influence the lives of those who knew him. May he Rest In Peace.

Michael Chaffers

January 3, 2021

I've known Mr. Jones my whole life - he has always been a kind, supportive, loving presence and close family friend. I am saddened by his passing, though comforted by knowing of his strong faith and long life. I miss looking up (as a child, way up!) and seeing his frequent smile.

With love and gratitude for his presence in my life,

Michael

Sheila K Smith

January 2, 2021

Deacon Jones was a wonderful person. Growing up at Second Baptist, he was more like family. I remember when he was here in Georgia working on his brother's house, he called and invited me over. We had a great visit. What I will remember most about Deacon Jones is that he was a man with strong faith.

II Corinthians 5:8

Mershon Skender

January 2, 2021

Otis Jones will be truly missed. He would look so serious to me then he would tell a joke or a story and start laughing and that would always make me laugh. When he prayed I would have to giggle to myself because I always had to focus hard on what he saying. He was a giving and loving person and blessing to so many people. I never had to feed him but I always heard the stories of how he would take a good meal as payment for a task completed. I am blessed to have had him be apart of my life.

Tom Clarkson

January 2, 2021

We're so deeply saddened over Otis' passing. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you, Cheryl, and the rest of your family.
Much Love,
Tom, Kelly, Sam, and Joe Clarkson

Eula Eaddy

January 2, 2021

Cherly - Please know that I'm praying for strength and comfort for you and the rest of the family during this very difficult time. Otis helped many throughout the community during his lifetime and will be missed. We are blessed to have had the opportunity to know him. Praying for your continued recovery and healing.

Love,
Eula Eaddy

Elaine Westfield

January 1, 2021

We will miss you Otis. Rest In Peace. Prayers are with the family.

The Westfield Family

HERMAN PICKENS

January 1, 2021

It is with sadness (his passing) and happiness that I was able to meet and be in the presence of UNCLE OTIS ( I’m merely an in-law), very sure about himself and selflessness about his relative and friends, always being the GLUE to keep everyone informed or aware of the going ons in the family no matter where you lived. I was always impressed about his upbeat attitude and swagger, My Condolence to the family “GOD GOT THIS” Selah from the PICKENS, GUICE AND JONES, shreveport,louisiana

FROM THE FAMILY