Stephen A. Jones, Jr.

Reflections of the Life

of

Mr. Stephen A. Jones, Jr.

Stephen Anthony Jones, Jr. departed earth on September 27, 2026, at the age of 88 years, while at home with his wife by his side. He was born January 6, 1938, in Dublin, Mississippi, Coahoma County, where he was the 3rd oldest child but the first son born to Stephen Anthony Jones and Annie Bell Smith.

Stephen moved to Michigan with his wife, Lillie Lee and two daughters in the late 60's after being a laborer in the cotton field. Upon moving to the North, he and his family settled in Buena Vista Township and have remained here as residents. He was a faithful member of Tabernacle Baptist Church where he was a member of the choir. After the passing of Pastor R. B. Austin, Stephen and Lillie became members of Messiah Missionary Baptist Church where he also became a member of the choir. While at Messiah, he sang in both the Adult Choir and the Male Chorus where he was also the assistant treasurer. Stephen worked at Saginaw Steering Gear in Plant 3 until retiring in 1998 after 31 years. He loved traveling to visit relatives as well as working on cars. He was a wiz at repairing cars; he enjoyed taking apart motors and putting them back together with Jerry Lynn. He also enjoyed doing handy work on houses for various people in the community. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and beating his opponents in Tic-Tac-Toe and Checkers.

Stephen leaves to cherish his wife of 68 years, Lillie Lee; two daughters, Denise Jones-Flemings, Alison Reed; two sons, Rayford (Brenda), Timothy (Kay); daughter-in-love, Kelly Jones. He also leaves 11 grandchildren: LaCreShanette, Anthony, and Mandisa Reed, Quintesha Barrett, Raymont’e, Justin, Jovonne, Jalen, Timmyra, Timothy Jr., and Mi’kayla Jones; three sisters: Mennie Lee Harris and Earnestine Jones, Clarksdale, MS, and Dr.  Lillian Jones-Thomas (John) Saginaw, MI; a special buddy and working friend, Jerry Lynn Thompson, Saginaw, MI; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and great-grandchildren.

Stephen was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Annie Bell Jones; son, John Jones; a brother, Arthur Lee Jones; sons-in-law, Jessie Reed and Don Flemings; four sisters: Mary Lee Jones, Marean Price, Annie Bell Booker and Louise King; four brothers-in-law: Rufus Harris, Albert Price, William Booker, and Abe King, Sr., and his favorite cousin, Earline Haynes as well as many other relatives and friends.