SSGT Quazay Silk-DeLeon Jones, USAF

Funeral Services will be held Noon Monday, August 26, 2024 at Dunbar Funeral Home- Northeast Chapel with burial featuring military honors at Fort Jackson National Cemetery at 2:00 pm. A gathering of friends and family will be held Sunday from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the funeral home.

On December 5, 1994 in Honolulu, Hawaii, Quazay came into the world to his proud parents Wilhelmina Taren Parks and Frederick Jones. He graduated from Heathwood Hall Episcopal School where he played football and found his spirit for giving and volunteering through activities with Habitat for Humanity and building homes for his local community. Quazay was a talented artist and found pleasure in venturing through cities, taking photographs and creating his own artwork. He was a gifted musician who enjoyed playing piano and guitar. He possessed an independent, individual minded adventurous spirit.

In 2015, he joined the United States Air Force and attended Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. After graduating, Quazay was relocated to Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia where he graduated Air Transportation Technical Training, joining the ranks of a proud career field nicknamed “Port Dawgs.” After receiving his first assignment, to Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, Quazay quickly showed leadership abilities and an eagerness to learn. His command team selected him to acquire his Parachute Rigger certification. In this role, he packed, loaded and airdropped equipment bundles and platforms for HC/MC-130 aircrew. When a natural disaster struck, he selflessly committed himself to fulfilling humanitarian relief to 2.5 million citizens affected by Hurricane Harvey, earning him an Air and Space Achievement Medal. Additionally, Quazay was a member of Kirtland Air Force Base’s Honor Guard and completed 45 ceremonies to honor the commitments and sacrifices of service members from all branches. Furthermore, Quazay completed one overseas deployment to the middle east, providing critical support to United States Armed Forces in combat zones. Quazay always demonstrated his willingness to go the extra mile, gain as much knowledge as he could, and most importantly, give it back to the Airmen he was assigned with. These efforts combined earned him a promotion to Staff Sergeant and an additional Air and Space Achievement Medal.

Most recently, Staff Sergeant Jones received orders to Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. Assigned to the 436th Aerial Port Squadron, he was responsible for loading and unloading aircraft with passengers, cargo, and equipment. Known as the “Super Port,” Quazay’s leadership skills were vitally important in sustaining the fast-paced mission. He assisted in several humanitarian aid and President of the United States missions. Quazay made a great impression on the unit and represented it with pride. Wingmen and Port Dawgs stationed around the globe have honored SSgt Jones; a true testament to the impact he made during his military service.

Those left to cherish his memories include his mother, Wilhelmina Taren Parks and her husband and Quazay’s step-father, Hensley Bodlick Parks, his father, Frederick Charles Jones; three siblings, Mariea Mims Daniels and her husband Nathan Daniels, Portia Jones, Frederick Jones, Jr.; nieces and nephews, Ni’Heem Bryant, Moriah Richardson, Christopher Coard, Jr., Aanyiah Richardson, Kayveion Amir Underwood, Kylie Jadore Jones, James Daniels, Phoenix Daniels; three step-siblings, McKensley Parks, Kensley Parks, Hensley Parks II, and multiple aunts and uncles.