Mr. Leo Freeman Jones Sr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Mr. Leo “Lion” Freeman Jones, Sr. entered this life on October 16, 1943, in Madison County, MS. He was the seventh child of thirteen born to the union of Walthall Jones, Sr. and Mary Lee Jefferson Jones. His childhood was spent between Madison County and Jackson, MS where he became known affectionately as "Lion Jones" and enjoyed playing football for Jim Hill High School. In 1965, Leo joined in holy matrimony with Willie Lean Parker. Together they shared a legacy for caring for and entertaining their family, both immediate and extended as well as friends and neighbors. They made their home in Flowood, MS and later relocated to Brandon, MS in the Fannin community. In his later years, Leo remarried Ida Neal and became a member of Fannin Baptist Church, dedicating his life to Christ through holy baptism. Leo was definitely a family man and a hard worker who always opened his heart and home for celebrations and family gatherings. There was nothing more important to him than two things: family and work. A self-described workaholic, he enjoyed a career in varying professions, spanning nearly his entire life. As a young man Leo was employed by Knox Glass Containers in Flowood, MS. Later, Leo also enjoyed a long career with A & A Excavating Contractors in Brandon, MS where he served as Chief Superintendent for nearly thirty years. In his downtime, as an avid JSU fan, he faithfully attended Jackson State football games for many years. Leo even shared his passion with others, often taking family members along to cheer on his beloved Tigers. To know him was to love him and his heart was as big as his smile. He was funny, witty, generous, and kind. He loved to read, and would often claim that he in fact, knew everything-although his family sometimes jokingly referred to him as "Professor Don't Know." Leo shared so much wisdom with those whose lives he touched. He was a gregarious person others loved being around. This is evident in the very special relationship he shared with his siblings and his nieces and nephews. He loved being able to spend Sundays sharing food, fun, and laughter with a house full of family. He cherished every single opportunity to show those he loved how much they meant to him. Leo is preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife of 46 years, Willie Lean Jones, and his siblings: Jessie "Ann" Mangum, Lillie Ree Greer, Mary Brown, Walthall "Jake" Jones, Jr., Leon "Slick" Jones and Rosella "Sugar Mama" Jones. Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Ida Neal Jones; Leo and Willie Lean's four children: Leo Jones, Jr., of Flowood, MS, Sharron Jones Smith (Simeon) of Brandon, MS, Ervin Jones of Jackson, MS, and Sharetia Jones Adekanye (Timothy) of Dallas, TX; and his siblings: Tommy Jones (Edith), Joyce Palmer, Jack Jones (Shanda), Lois Smith, Diane Jackson and Bobby Earl Jones (Betty). His legacy will live on through his nineteen beloved grandchildren: La Taurus, Ashley, Nicholas, Jamal, Christian, Rashaad, Enissa, Eric, Earon, Courtney, Chelsi, Austin, Chloe, Ella, Jayden, Jayvious, Eeliyah, Gabrielle, Anahla and fourteen great grandchildren.

Mr. Leo Freeman Jones Sr.

October 16, 1943 - February 8, 2022