Harry A. Jones, Sr.

Harry Allen Jones, Sr., born May 30, 1943, to the late Alonzo, Sr. and Madolyn (Allen) Jones, on Sunday, January 9, 2022, peacefully in his sleep, God called his precious child home.  

Harry, named after his uncle the late Harry Allen, was the eldest of two children. He was reared in a loving home where he was taught the importance of education, integrity, character, and appearance.

Harry was proud to be a student at St. John Catholic School, where he attended and excelled from grade school to junior high. He graduated from Dunbar High School, Class of 1961. His love for education was uncanny as his hopes and dreams in life was to one day become a doctor.

On January 14, 1963, he married his high school sweetheart, Evelyn S. Jones and in this union, they had four children, Tawanda, Harry, Chris, and Rosalind.

Being passionate about being of service to others, Harry became a Medical Assistant. He worked at St. Elizabeth Hospital and Nursing Homes for over a decade. He was the caregiver of his father, Alonzo Jones Sr., until his demise.

Harry was an avid reader and very articulate. He stayed on top of current events through national and international news. With his coffee in his hand, he would be sitting at the round table at his mom’s house, making his sons read the Dayton Daily Newspaper, so they too could be knowledgeable of what’s going on around them.  

Laughter, good food, listening to jazz and old school music, watching sports, and engaging in articulate and deep conversations, is what he enjoyed doing with his family and friends. His fashionable appearance was the life of the party! He would enter the room with his stylish clothes; a crease in his pants and shirt, shoes polished, and a hat or brim on his head, with his affectionate smile greeting you.

Harry was a hard worker and dedicated employee at the University of Dayton. He received a Certificate of Appreciation for his outstanding performance, for great customer service, and for being the best dressed Dining Service Associate, prior to his retiring, further solidifying his love of academics/continued education. 

One of his favorite colors was red, to represent his favorite basketball team, The Ohio State Buckeyes (O H I O). Not only was he fashionable, but he was also a very competitive basketball player.

He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and wanted to know their sports schedule or any activities they may be involved in, so he could possibly attend. Harry was a member of The Potter’s House Dayton International Ministries.  He enjoyed talking about the Lord and was excited when his family would go to church with him.

To his biological family, Harry was known as “Dump.” A nickname that his mother gave him as “Baby Dumplings.” But to his extended family, Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Harry was known as a survivor, witness, and a testament of God’s faithfulness.

Because of Harry’s relationship with the Lord and holding onto God’s promise in Deuteronomy 31:6, “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” he was able to become a dedicated member of the Dayton Fellowship Chapter of Narcotics Anonymous for over 20 years, where he loved being of service, sharing as well as chairing meetings. He became strength and for other members by letting them know that the program does work so keep coming back. He was beloved by many and stayed true to his commitment of never giving back the gift. His family would also attend the meetings from time to time, to show their support to him and other members in the Fellowship. Harry would always share the words of the Serenity Prayer to those in and out of the program, “God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference, just for today.”  “Today, that moment, may all we may have, to never give into temptation. The battle is not ours, it’s the Lords.” Harry always wanted to uplift someone with knowledge and encouragement.

Harry’s health began to decline from being on dialysis due to cancer. Patricia “Nana” Ivery, Thea Ivery, and Nancy Dillard, assisted with the arrangements of transportation, aides, and doctor’s appointments. Yet, Harry continued to fight and give words of encouragement. Even when the doctor’s reports weren’t in his favor, he recited the scripture in Mark 14:36, “Not my will, but thy will be done.”

He is preceded in death by his parents, Alonzo Sr. and Madolyn Jones; brother, Alonzo Jones Jr.; sister, Phyllis Colvin; aunt and uncle, Majorie and Harry Allen; daughter, LuWanda White; son, Harry Allen Jones Jr.

He is survived by his daughters, Tawanda J. Simpson, Rosalind (Dale) Dyer, Jannita (Willie) White, and Tonya Frison; sons, Christopher Henry Jones Sr. and Byron Napier; grandchildren, Tervon Jones, Chrishea (Jennifer) Jones, Christopher Dyer, Jone'l (Christopher) Jenkins, Tony Jones, Erika Jones, Jalena Brooks (CA), Christopher Henry Jones Jr. (CA), Cameron and Mason Spangenberger, Heaven Napier, Bry’ona Napier, Ajiana Napier, Bryon Napier Jr.; as well as a host of great-grandchildren; nieces, Madolyn (Todd) Bennett,  Chaenin (Sidney) Landers, and Thea Ivery; nephew, Sterling (Lisa) Broughton; great-nephews, Juan Broughton Jr. (MD), Malik Holloman (VA), and Jaden Bennett; cousin, Nancy Dillard; special sister, Patricia Ivery; longtime companion, Suzanne Davidson; his NA Sponsor, Mr. James "Bigg J" Cade Jr. and his Dayton Fellowship Club, Inc. family.

Walk-through visitation 10 am-12 noon Thursday, January 20, at the House of Wheat Funeral Home, Inc., 2107 N. Gettysburg Ave. (Mask Required). Live stream service at 12 noon. Link:  https://fb.me/e/1BE2qjzSI 

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