Leon Toots Jones Sr.

He received his education in the Tulsa Oklahoma school system. With the desire to know what the world had to offer, at the age of 14 Elder Jones left Oklahoma to enlist in the United States Army. After completing Basic Training in Kentucky, he received orders that took him to WWII Korea on the front line. He was declared missing in action during the war. After 14 days, Elder Jones was located and admitted to the hospital to recover from his injuries. For his heroic actions, the United States Army honored Elder Jones by awarding him the Purple Heart and three Bronze Stars. This inspired him to accept his next assignment to report back to Korea. This time it was not on the front lines, Thank God! His last assignment was as motion picture projectionist. After receiving an honorable discharge from the US Army, he relocated to San Jose, California. Soon after, Elder Jones enrolled and attended the San Francisco Bible Seminary where he earned his Doctorate Degree in Divinity. Many times, he would ride his bike in the late evening and find a cool spot on the side of the road. There, he would sit on his bike with the heat of the bike keeping him warm while he studied his Bible.

Elder Jones relocated to Oakland, CA and worked for numerous trucking companies. Eventually, he was hired permanently by PIE Trucking and worked faithfully for 35 years, until his retirement in 1992.

Elder Jones accepted his call to the ministry, under the leadership of Pastor W. H. Ingram. After driving Pastor Ingram to a jurisdictional meeting, he was surprisingly sent to the ordination board. In the early 1960’s, Elder Leon Jones was presented with the opportunity to pastor the Sweet Home Church of God in Christ by Pastor W.H. Ingram. Elder Jones was not able to accept this position and relinquished the church to Elder A.C. Macklin.

In 1982, Elder Jones relocated to Sacramento California and united with the All Nations C.O.G.I.C.. As a result of his faithful service there, he was elevated to the role of assistant pastor. There, he met the love of his life, Sister Earnestine Frazier. They fell in love and married August 29, 1987. Elder Jones and his new wife moved their membership to the Progressive Church of God in Christ while it was still located on Burnett Way, under the leadership of Administrative Assistant Jesse E. Copeland.

Elder Jones was the senior elder at the Progressive Church of God in Christ. He worked as a member of the Pastor’s Aid, Men’s Chorus, Men’s Day President, Thursday Night service coordinator and more. Elder Jones enjoyed many hobbies including rebuilding automobiles, riding motorcycles, playing his guitar and working with funeral escort services. He was a member of many gospel groups, singing and playing his guitar from the Bay Area to Sacramento with the Sensational Harmonizers and others. In the early 2000s Elder Jones and his sons produced an album entitled, “The Jones Family”. Elder Jones was always dressed to the nines wherever he went!

Elder Jones could always identify with the people and wanted all to come to the Lord. He was personable, easy to talk to and would tell you the truth on any subject. He did not believe in holding back the goodness of the Lord from anyone and didn’t care who may have had other opinions of his methods. He was truly an old-time preacher!! Elder Jones always let the people know that God did it all by singing one of his favorite congregational songs.

What more, can He do,

What more, can He do,

He laid the foundation, opened up the way,

What more, can He do!

His health began to fail after having back surgery in 2012. He was still attending church services and dressed to the nines, as usual. In February, 2019 just before his birthday Elder Jones decided to go on an extensive joy ride from Sacramento to San Francisco and on to San Mateo. Sister Jones had no idea where he was for almost 24 hours. He was finally pulled over by the San Mateo police and returned home safely. At that point Sis Jones pulled his license, pulled his keys and told him, “You will drive no more! Your driving days are over!” For all of us that knew Elder Jones can only imagine how upset and agitated he was!!!

Sister Jones, his wife of almost 35 years was there by his side to care for him every day, morning, noon, and night until the Lord called him home Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at 4:45 am. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Bill and Mrs. Ollie Jones, brother David Jones, son Leon Jones Jr. and Sister Gwen Jones.

He leaves to cherish his memory his lovely wife of 34 years Sister Earnestine Jones; Sister: Marlene French (Alfred) of Los Angeles, CA; Children: Jacqueline Jones of Sacramento, CA, Terry Jones (Michelle) of Sacramento, CA, David Jones (Simone) of San Leandro, CA, Lisa Evelyn Jones of Newark, CA, LaReina Jones of Elk Grove, CA, Rodrick Frazier of Elk Grove, CA Grandchildren: Carmen, Jennifer, Leon III, Josh, L’il Rod, Jeffery, Denay, Kayla; Great Grandchildren: Micah; God Children: Jayden, Catlyn, Sal, C.J., Dato, and Dionne.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.harryanauman.com for the Jones family.