As a teenager, Ed moved to Detroit with his father and brothers, and he remained in Detroit for the duration of his life. Detroit is also where he met the love of his life, Laura in 1981. They wed and went on to raise 7 amazing children within their 40-year union. He was deeply passionate about Laura and always said that no matter what, nothing would come before his wife. So much so that one of his final wishes to his children was to make sure they “take care of my wife.”
Ed has a true “rags to riches” story. He started with no formal education and no money and was able to work hard and eventually start his own logistics company, Jones and Jones Delivery. He owned the company for nearly 30 years and employed many young men during that time including his own 4 sons. That exposure to both the industry and entrepreneurship eventually catapulted his sons to also starting their own logistics companies as well. This is something Ed was extremely proud of. He was very dedicated to his work and he refused to take unscheduled days off. He even drove one of the trucks himself every single day. His work ethic, drive and desire to provide the best life possible for his family are unmatched.
Outside of running his company, Ed loved spending time with his family. He was intentional about maintaining special relationships with each of his children. The individual and unique bonds with each of them was something you do not see every day. His daughters often referred to him as their superhero and his sons were known to call him superman. In their eyes, there was no man stronger or greater than their dad. They knew he was always a phone call away. It was known among the kids that dad was guaranteed to answer the phone no matter what he was doing. Ed and Laura hosted family gatherings regularly. It was especially important for Ed to maintain that relationship with his children.
Another thing Ed loved was his pickup trucks. More specifically the Ford F-150. Ed has driven top of the line, custom Ford trucks for nearly 30 years. He has had many trim levels ranging from performance-oriented to luxurious. He believed it was true American classic. You would never catch his truck dirty and even the slightest scratch sent it right into the body shop. One thing everyone knew about Ed is that he loves his trucks!
Edward Lee Jones, Jr. departed this life peacefully to be with the Lord on April 15, 2021 with his wife Laura holding his hand by his side.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Jones, Sr. and Rosie Lee Jones. His grandparents; Cleveland Jones Sr. & Annie Bell Jones, Lorenzo & Alvonia Harris. His siblings, Willie James Burnside, Frank Harris, Vera Green. His Aunts, Lubertha Conway, Roberta McGee, Josephine Hunt, Lucille White, Margret Griggs, and Zeola Woods. His Uncles, James Wright, Henry Rozier, and Cleveland Jones, Jr.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Laura Dyer – Jones. His children Desiree Dyer, Calandra Dyer, Nicholas Dyer, Leorick Dyer, Joshua Dyer, Cory Shivel, Candice Shivel, Edward Hicks, Marquita Hicks, and Amanda Keller. His grandchildren, MarcAnthony McCleskey Jr., Boston McCleskey, Romero Williams, River Williams, David White III, Camren White, Jordan White, Dion White, Skyler White, Nicholas Dyer Jr., Maverick Dyer, Brooke Dyer, Marques Morris, Eva Scholtz-Shivel, Grayson Scholtz – Shivel, Riahanna Jones, Jemier Jones, Markayla Jones, and Davaughn Jones, Edward Hicks Jr., and Mason Hicks.
His siblings Marilyn Jones, Sheila Clowers, Zadie Reed, Thelma Boykin, Howard Jones, Eddie Cartlidge, Joel Cartlidge, Willie Harris, Freddie Harris, Gloria Faye Richardson, and cousin Bettie Woods who is like an older sister to him. His uncles, Benjamin Wright, Dan Jones and Philip Jones. Along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends whom he loved dearly.
“Your life is made of two dates and a dash. Make the most of your dash.” Ed surely used his dash to create a legacy that will last for an eternity.
Visitation for Edward will be held on Tuesday April 27, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Edward Swanson & Son Funeral Home 30351 Dequindre Road Madison Heights, Michigan 48071.
