Isaiah Jones Sr.

Isaiah Jones, Sr., 85, passed away peacefully at home in El Paso, TX on April 14, 2023.  He was born in February 1938 to the late Martha Ann Jones and Chester Scott of Columbia, SC. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Joan D. Jones, his older brothers James Robert Jones (called Bobby) and Joe Lewis Jones, also of Columbia SC, as well as his sister-in-law, Carolyn M. Jones.

As a young boy, raised in Gadsden, SC by his Aunt Rosa Bell Black, he grew up alongside his brother Joe Lewis and multiple first cousins, who were like siblings to him. Isaiah entered the United States Army at the tender age of 15, serving his country at Fort Benning, GA as a medic. After fulfilling his two-year obligation, he returned to Booker T. Washington (BTW) High School in Columbia, SC, where he made honor roll and graduated in 1959. Isaiah believed in education and considered it a priority. He enjoyed sports and played football for BTW as a running back and was an exceptional linebacker. Upon graduating, he entered Denmark Technical College (Denmark, SC), where he received training in AC/Refrigeration.

Isaiah entered the United States Army a second time to serve his country, making the military his career. He ultimately rose to the rank of Command Sergeant Major and earned several military awards, including Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, and National Defense Service Medal to name a few.  He served over 35 years before retiring August 31,1989 with an Honorable Discharge at Fort Bliss, TX. Isaiah never forgot the people he served with, as he truly bled army green. He helped many people along the way, with countless individuals expressing their gratitude and heartfelt love for what he had done for them. He shared his wisdom, kindness and support, along with his sense of humor, with anyone who could benefit from it. He was a compassionate and loving individual, and always loaned a helping hand.

Isaiah married his high school sweetheart, Joan, in 1963 in San Francisco, CA.  From their union they were blessed with three children - Torry, Isaiah II, and Tyndal.  Isaiah and Joan were married for 33 years before Joan’s passing in June 1996 in El Paso, TX.  Isaiah loved his family, worked hard, and was a good provider.  He was active in the Christian faith, having been baptized at an early age in South Carolina. For over 50 years, he was a faithful member of Mount Zion Baptist Church in El Paso, TX where he was a part of the brotherhood, served on the Usher Board, the Board trustees, and the New Members Orientation committee. He enjoyed family activities, family vacations, and pinochle. Isaiah truly believed it is our civic duty to serve the community.  He was a member of the Masonic Temple, NAACP, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, EP Black Democrats, Sergeant Major’s Association and various other organizations.  A detailed list of organizations and achievements are provided below.

After the death of his wife, Joan, Isaiah began a friendship with Barbara Woodson, which developed into a loving, longtime companionship.  Many years later when Isaiah became ill, Barbara was his rock and caregiver until his death.  

Isaiah leaves to cherish his memory three devoted children: Torry Jones of Columbia, SC, Isaiah II of University Place, WA, and Tyndal Jones-Spotts (Charles) of Grayson, GA; his longtime devoted companion, Barbara Woodson of El Paso, TX; nine (9) grandchildren:  Pamela (Andrew) Taylor of Waldorf, MD, Jivaro (Barbara) Martin of Colorado Springs, CO, Brandon Toney (Crystal) of Waldorf, MD, Jordyn (Raheem) Lloyd and Eddie Reynolds of Columbia, SC, Destiny McGowan Jones and Danielle Morrow of Arlington, TX, Taylor Spotts and Jaidyn Spotts of Grayson, GA;  two brothers: Benjamin Scott and Samuel Scott of Columbia, SC.  Isaiah has 14 great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Organization/Achievements

1. Retired from United States Army in 1989 at the rank of CSM
2. Sergeant Major’s Association Fort Bliss, TX - Lifetime member
3. American Légion Post N0. 832 - Member
4. Veteran of Foreign Wars - Lifetime member
5. Oro Temple N0. 9 - served as Illustrious Potentate in 1975, 1982, 1991, served as Imperial Deputy of the Oasis in El Paso, TX 1995, 1996.  Member since 1965 and later became a Lifetime member.
6. Capital City Lodge N0. 47 in Columbia, SC - Lifetime member
7. Holy Royal Arch Chapter 90 – Lifetime member
8. DeMolay Commandery N0. 22
9. Rio Grande Consistory N0. 24
10. Grand Inspector General (Class of 1975)
11. Legion of Honor Recipient of A.E.A.O.N.M.S.
12. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. El Paso, TX Chapter - Lifetime member
13. Omega Man of the year – El Paso, TX Chapter
14. El Paso Black Democrats - Lifetime member
15. NAACP - Lifetime member
16. NAACP Honored Man – El Paso, TX Chapter
17. El Paso Black Democrats - Lifetime member
18. One of the founding members of the El Paso, TX Inter Club Council (ICC)
19.  Member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, El Paso, TX for sixty (60) years
20.  Served as a Trustee of Mt. Zion Baptist Church
21.  Usher for over thirty (30) years at Mt. Zion Baptist Church
22. Teacher for Mt. Zion Baptist Church new member’s class

Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Thursday, April 27, 2023 at Sunset Funeral Homes - East, 750 N. Carolina. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, April 28 at Mt Zion Baptist Church, 3400 Wyoming Ave. Interment will follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery.