Samuel Jones
From Out of Nowhere To Baby ... From Shug
Sometimes, from out of nowhere, your smiling face I see I feel your hand inside of mine and it seems you’re here with me. Sometimes, from out of nowhere, your tender voice I hear And in my times of loneliness it’s like music to my ears. Sometimes, out of the clear blue sky, I’ll laugh at something you said Your humor gives peace in troubled times and helps me face the days ahead. Sometimes, from out of nowhere, I take a look at where I am And all that we’ve built together...and I thank God for YOU, Sam! One day, when God is ready, I’ll see your face again As I am finally reunited with my husband and best friend. I love you, and I’ll see ya’ later...
God Has Heard REFLECTING ON THE LIFE OF SAMUEL JONES
In the Bible, the prophet Samuel was a miracle child whose name means “God has heard.” On the second day of October, in the year 1944, God decided to bless a dear couple in Memphis, Tennessee with a miracle child of their very own. They named him Samuel, but he would lovingly be known as “Sam” for the rest of his time on earth. By using his God-given gifts of loving, protecting, and inspiring others, SAM JONES was the answer to a prayer for many who came to know him. THE GIFT OF LOVE. Sam accepted God into his life at an early age. In his adult life, he became a member of The Jordan River Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Gerald J. Jordan, where he was a proud member of the Men’s Choir. Sam was a proud believer in Jesus Christ and a true supporter of the work of ministry! On June 21, 1963, he married his high school sweetheart, Alma Marie. For 54 years, they stood by each other, cared for each other, and built a beautiful life and family. Their love produced two incredible daughters and led him to willingly take the role of “Daddy Sam” to many of the neighborhood children. He offered love, guidance, protection and support in a way that only he could. He loved spending time with family, cooking on his barbecue grill, listening to good music, hanging out in his man cave, and photography. THE GIFT TO PROTECT. Sam enlisted with the United States Army in the Spring of 1968. While fighting to protect our country in the Vietnam War, God continued to increase Sam’s strength and character. He found joy and purpose in protecting and looking after the well-being of others. In
the mid 1980’s, Sam began a 30-year career with the Shelby County Division of Corrections. The employees that he supervised had no problem complying with what he asked of them. He had a smile and demeanor that instantly brought calm in emergency situations. He was known for his ability to “keep it cool” no matter what. He retired as a Sergeant in 2013. THE GIFT TO INSPIRE. Sam was a 1962 graduate of Melrose High School in the heart of the Orange Mound community. While attending high school as a Golden Wildcat in 1958, he was recruited by neighborhood pianist, Herman “Red” Arnett and became a founding member of Stax Recording Group, The Astors. They recorded such soulful hits as “You Make Me Feel So Good”, “What Can It Be”, ”Candy”, “I Found Out” and a host of others. They performed with hit-makers Carla and Rufus Thomas, Isaac Hayes, James Brown and other noted performing artists. Sam also composed a few songs for the group. Music was one of many ways that Sam Jones was used by God to inspire others. On Friday, May 18, 2018, Sam entered peacefully into eternal rest. To cherish his memory, he leaves his loving wife, his beautiful children, one special grandson; his dear mother, Dorothy Crawford of Milwaukee, WI; three siblings: Sandra Crawford Williams (Marshall), Gloria Phillips, and Kenny Bracey; and a host of other relatives and friends. Each of us can attest that by sending us SAMUEL JONES, whatever our prayer may have been, God most definitely heard.
Te Celebration of Life Processional. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Family of Samuel Jones Old Testament Scripture Reading. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pastor Don Williams New Testament Scripture Reading. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pastor DeAndre Brown Lifeline to a Dying World Ministries Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reverend Gloria Phillips Tabernacle Community Baptist Church (Milwaukee, WI) Musical Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Jordan River Men’s Choir REFLECTIONS OF SAMUEL JONES Mr. Lee Cole, Friend The Astors Musical Tribute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Neely Williams Words of Comfort. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pastor Antonio Woodard Livin Purpose Christian Church EXPRESSIONS FROM THE FAMILY Dr. Ronald Williams, Nephew Jacquelyn Coleman, Cousin Dejun Canady, Grandson Acknowledgments & Resolutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Danette Stokes Musical Tribute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nicholas Merritt Eulogy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Gerald J. Jordan The Jordan River Ministries Recessional. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Family of Samuel Jones
Acknowledgment With deep and sincere appreciation, the family of Samuel Jones wishes to warmly thank our friends and loved ones for your comforting words and genuine acts of kindness during our time of sadness. Special thanks to Dr. Kadura, the Memphis VA Medical Center, and the staff of Spring Day Rehabilitation Center. Our hearts have been truly comforted by the love that has been extended to us. God bless you all. ~ The Family of Samuel Jones ~
Active Pallbearers Captain Rickey Walker Mr. Samuel Overton
Mr. Johnny Triplett Mr. Warren Cole
Mr. Bernard Daniels Sgt. Willie Woody
Honorary Pallbearers Melrose High School Class of 1962 Surviving Members of The Astors Shelby County Division of Corrections Staff
Interment Tuesday, May 29, 2018 2:00 p.m. West TN Veterans Cemetery (Forest Hill-Irene Road)
Memorial Repast Livin Purpose Christian Church (Immediately Following the Funeral Service) 9551 Macon Road Cordova, TN 38016
Professional Services M. J. Edwards Funeral Home 4445 Stage Road Memphis, Tennessee 38128 (901) 791-9700 Program Design by Precious Memories Graphics & More, (901) 257-9124