Harold Jones, Sr.

Harold Jones Sr. was born on May 30, 1925 to the union of John Ivory and Nellie Jones. He transitioned from this life into his eternal resting home on June 2, 2023.

Harold, the youngest of two children, was born and raised in Cincinnati.  Following his graduation from  Woodward High School, Harold enlisted in the United States Navy. Harold’s military career took him abroad, where he traveled the world as he served his country during World War II.

After completing two terms of duty, Harold returned to Cincinnati.  Once home, his mother introduced him to his future wife, Virginia Harris, who was a cute new employee at Cincinnati’s General Hospital.  After dating several months, they were united in marriage.  Their union was blessed with three adorable children,  Cynthia Lavern, DeBorah Louise and Harold Jr.

Harold channeled his natural energy into community and civic activities. His experience of mistreatment and discrimination to veterans of color during the war, led him to be an advocate for many civil rights causes. Harold was always active in organizations such as the N.A.A.C.P, Evanston and Avondale Community Councils.   He stepped forward to support local youth after the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, when Cincinnati students walked out of school in protest of the 1968 assassination of Rev. King.  Harold and other parents and community  activist such as Bailey Turner, JC Johnson, Liz Presley, Vivian Kinebrew formed the parental support group that led and taught youth the importance of combating discrimination in all forms. Community activities also allowed him to indulge in his passion for football and basketball, both of which he coached as a pastime.  Harold worked for many years as a butcher with the Partridge Meats and later joined The John Morrell Company. Aside from his work with meat packing houses, he was an active member and leader with amalgamated Meat Cutters Union, where he served as a Union Leader. 

After retiring from the meat packing industry, Harold became an Independent Insurance Agent, representing several companies in the individual and commercial insurance markets. His new career provided an opportunity for him to practice his love of meeting and communicating with new people. 

Harold and his beloved wife, Virginia, were very active in Southern Baptist Church, where he and Virginia worshiped for many years. He moved his membership to Southern from  Evanston Presbyterian and St. Andrews Episcopal Church.  

At Southern Baptist Harold, along with Deacon Edward Lige,  founded the Southern Baptist Booster Club, which supported  youth activities and social events and support for The Harmonic Southern Baptist Inspirational Choir.  Harold also served as a church trustee and Financial Secretary for many years, along with Sunday School, Pastors Aide and Missionary Society. Harold and his late wife Virginia were inseparable where you saw one… you saw two. They both shared their love for family and others. They cherished the church and made a point of visiting the sick and comforting others in their time of need. In fact, days before his transition, Harold spoke of his fond memories of the Late Rev. James E. Milton and how his pastoral leadership made a difference in the lives of so many.  He acknowledged how he would always “Love his Southern Baptist.”

Harold was preceded in death by his late wife Virginia; daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia and James (OD) Dangerfield ; parents, John Ivory Jones and Nellie Mae Stone; grandson, Justin Kendrick Taylor (Lakesha); stepfather, Cornelius Stone; brother, Ivory Jones and stepbrother, Cornelius Stone Jr. (Baby Stone) and Awesome Foursome best friend, Perry and Rosemary Williams.

He leaves to forever cherish his memory, his devoted children DeBorah L. Fairbanks and Harold Jones Jr.;  grandchildren,  Chandrika (Tommie) Barnes , David Fairbanks, Jordan Jones; great-grandchildren, Tyler Gabrielle Avant, Victoria Taylor, Byrce Fairbanks and two great-great-grandchildren.  He will always be remembered by a host of relatives and friends.

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