David Lawrence Jones

David Lawrence Jones was born on August 5, 1973, in Washington, D.C., to Paul L. Jones Jr. and Teola Thomas Jones and departed this life on July 19, 2026. Raised in the Kemp Mill community of Silver Spring, Maryland, David attended Kemp Mill Elementary School, E. Brooke Lee Middle School, and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1991. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Frostburg State University, where he made history as the university's first Black Homecoming King and became a proud member of the Mu Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. His faith was nurtured at Ascension and St. Agnes Church, where he served faithfully as an acolyte throughout his youth and into early adulthood.

David lived life with passion, purpose, and an adventurous spirit. He built a career helping others as a personal trainer, inspiring countless clients through his encouragement and dedication. He was also deeply committed to the martial art of Bando, competed in kickboxing, and embraced fitness challenges including obstacle races and mud runs. Additionally, he loved storytelling and had a remarkable gift for it, captivating any audience with his humor and vivid details. Above all, David will be remembered for his creative gifts, kindness, quiet strength, infectious smile, generous heart, and unwavering willingness to encourage and protect those he loved. He especially treasured the life and love he shared with his devoted partner, Valerie.

David was preceded in death by his father, Paul L. Jones Jr. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted mother, Teola Thomas Jones; his loving sister, Courtney Baines (Tyrone II); his beloved nephew, Tyrone III; his cherished nieces, Kendall and Adrienne; his loving aunts, Flora and Ernestine; his devoted life partner, Valerie; and a host of treasured cousins, fraternity brothers, lifelong friends, former clients, and all whose lives were enriched by his mentorship and friendship. His legacy of love and encouragement will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

The celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, August 8th, at 10:00 am at Church of Ascension and St. Agnes in Washington, DC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Church of the Ascension and St Agnes, 1219 Massachusetts Avenue, NW. Washington, DC 20005 or to the FSU Foundation, Frostburg State University, 101 Braddock Road, Frostburg, MD 21532 or give online at www.frostburg.edu/makeagift.