Robert Jones' Obituary
Robert (Bob) Jones embarked on his remarkable life journey on July 4, 1927 in Lake Providence, Louisiana. He was born form the union of Flonoy Jone and Anna Gray (who both preceded him in death). He had four siblings who also preceded him in death; brothers Roy Jones, James Jones, Leonard Jones, and on sister, Ophelia Shepherd.
Bob accepted Christ into his life at an early age. He was baptized at Mount Olive Baptist Church. His Sunday school teacher and friend, Sister Bertrane Wooten marveled at how young Robert loved reading the "word". When he wasn't bushing up on his bible verses, young Bob spent his days working the fields of his father's cotton farm . The grueling heat and hard work which would later help form his work ethic as it would often cause Bob to daydream. He envisioned owning his own business one day and not having to depend on anyone to earn a living. Robert Jones was young, but he was determined to control his own destiny.
bob attended Lake Providence's East Cal Parish High School where he graduated in 1944. In tat\hat same year, he was blessed with his first child, a daughter, Betty Jones-Young. In 1945 with global conflict at an all time high, Bob was inducted into the united States Army. He headed off to Kobe, Japan to fight in World War II where he served as an infantry Firefighter. During his time in Japan, Bob was fascinated by the people, customs, and culture of this foreign land. Amidst the unavoidable tragedies of war, he picked up nuances of the Japanese language in a short time and left Japan with a bevy of amazing stories to share.
Following his honorable discharge from the Army in 1947 , bob traveled from Northern to Southern California where he found his first job with Southern Pacific Railroad as a Switchman. During this time, Bob began studying to become a Los Angeles fireman where he could put his military training and experiences form war to use. Despite many attempts, Bob was denied entry being told that he had passed the physical exam but not the written equivalent. He felt this had to be a mistake. Bob was well read on the training materials and knew the subject matter and intricacies of fire fighting in and out. The Fire Departments' loss turned out to be the greater Los Angeles area's gain as Bob would go on to undertake many professions. He became a Campus Police Officer at County USC, worked as a cab driver with Yellow Cab, and was a skilled butcher. Eventually, he would study at LA Trade Tech College where he received his barber's license. Shortly after his childhood vision of entrepreneurship was fulfilled when Bob successfully opened Ebony Family Barber Shop.
In 1951, Bob would meet the love of his life and soul mate Ola Mae Moore. The handsome couple "jumped the broom" and from this union five awesome children were born: Ranae Jones Warren, Robert Devin Jones, Joann Alexander, David Flonoy Jones, and Alex Lamar. The Barber was thriving but Bob wasn't complacent and he sought out his next business opportunity. Citizen's Medical Transportation Services launched in 1976. The business idea came to him while he was driving his cab. His business provided non-emergency medical transportation for medically challenged patients who could not take public transportation to medical appointments, dialysis, chemotherapy, radiation, and other medical related visits. citizen's was a successful business and thrived for more than 26 years before closing in 2003.
Following his retirement, Bob remained actively involved in professional and community organization. He was a member of the NAACP, a Civil rights Advocate, Board Trustee member at FNC, member of the Transportation Association of America and an active member of the Masons for over 50 ears. When not working or volunteering, Bob enjoyed traveling, attending the Theatre, family dinners, barbeques, attending church, reading the Bible, listening to Jazz, Soul, and Classical R&B music, researching facts, current events, and cheering on his favorite sports teams: the Lakers, Dodgers, Angels, Saints and recently...even the Clippers.
His loving wife of 59 years, Ola Mae Jones, preceded him in death in 2010.
He leaves to cherish his memory and carry on his lasting legacy his children: Betty Jones-Young, Ranae Jones-Warren, Robert Devin (Jim Howell) Jones, Joann (Willie) Alexander, David Flonoy Jones, and Alex Lamar (Jackie) Jones. Grandchildren: Darrion Mosley, Joseph Warren, Bryan (Gizelle) Young, Kalup (Lizeth-Ruiz) Alexander, Eryn Young, Adriane Shelly, Katrina (Keith) Alexander-Perez, Alex Jones Jr., Channon Alexander, and Alexis Jones. Cousins: Julia Pickett, Adric Johnson-Autry Williams, Julian Watson and a host nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
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