Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mr. Ethelbert Darrell Jones, 80, of Beckley, WV passed Thursday, March 30, 2023.

Deacon Darrell Jones was born in the summer of 1942, he was baptized at age 12. He attended East Park Elementary School and graduated from Stratton High School. After graduating in the spring of 1960, he traveled to New York City and there worked up to 80 hours a week.

While in New York he became a jeweler’s apprentice. He worked as a Master Jeweler/Designer, then later started his own company (EDJ Creations) specializing in creating his own designs for over 50 years. Some of his artwork was one-of-a-kind pieces for weddings and family. He also created personalized medallions for special organizations. While building his career he started a family, his children are Belita, Darrell Jr. and Sonya.

In 1973, while visiting his parents and friends in Detroit, MI, he reached out with his friend, Bobby, and reconnected with Lucille and they fell in love and were married in the summer of 1975. They faithfully returned to Beckley to visit family and attend their high school reunions. He and Lucille moved back to Beckley preceding his death to be closer to family. Darrell loved his denim shirts and pants and cowboy boots!

Deacon Darrell’s journey back to church led him to discover his purpose and make positive changes in his life. By the grace of God, he was a Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Father to many, Honorary Grandfather, Artist, Designer, Entrepreneur, Achiever, Overcomer, Child of God, Mighty Man of Valor, Ambassador of for Christ, Server, Deacon, Outreach Leader, Pastors Armorbearer for Christ, Server, Deacon Outreach Leader, Pastors Armorbearer Ride Provider for Impact Church of South FL, a Giver, Volunteer to Serve at Miami Rescue Mission Gardener, Landscaper, Builder, Created Sprinkler design got Watering his lawn. Deacon Jones and Deaconess Jones were Leaders of the "Lighthouse " Touch Group (Impact Church of South Florida). Present Church family is First Baptist Church, Harper Heights. Pastor Thomas Moore.

He was predeceased by his parents Vivian and Ivan Jones; parents-in-love, Robert and Gertrude Moore; sister, Marlene (Tootie); sister-in-law, Charlene; brother-in-law, Ronny; sister-in-law, Pam; Aunt Virgie; Uncle Cub; niece; Missy; nephews, Nate and Dickie and lastly, his beloved pet, Mahogany.

Family left to grieve his loving wife of 47 years, Lucille (Cookie); daughters, Belita and Sonya; son, Darrell Jr.; brother, Michael (Janice); brothers-in-law, Bobby (Barbara); Tommy; sister-in-law, Ann (Dolphous);nieces, Vanessa, Trina, Terrill (Ron), Robyn (Leroy), Wilese and Kathy (Buddy);nephews, Randy, Tracey, Tommy 2 (Francis), Robby (Aida), Damon, and Ira; grandchildren, Antwine, Alex, Angel, Candiece, Alicia, Kia, Andre, Arie, and Ahmad; great-grandchildren, Elisa, Raya, Kourtnai and Jadon; goddaughters, Margo, Tahirah, Heaven, Sandra, Kimberley and Kim; friends, Betty and Anita and Pandora, who was like a daughter and also a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and church community.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church 142 Mool Ave. Beckley with Rev. Jerry Staples officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may view and visit with the family one-hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.