BYRON PHILIP "COACH BJ" JONES, SR.

Elder and Coach, Byron Philip Jones, Sr. entered eternal rest at his home where he always felt comforted and loved on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at the age of 76 with his devoted and loving wife, Sylvia Jones, by his side. As McDonoghville’s well-respected son and a resident of Gretna, LA, he allowed God to use him in all his career endeavors to impact the youth around his community through his faith and his passion for football. At L.B. Landry Sr. High School, he played as an Offensive Guard for the Mighty Buccaneers (1961-1965) earning him a scholarship to play Linebacker at Clark College in Atlanta, GA (1965-1967) and after a leg injury, he would return to his beloved residence in Gretna, LA. He continued his stint as a Linebacker for LSUNO (1971) where he would earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. He served as an educator for 38 years and led as Assistant Football Coach and 1st African American Football Coach to be hired at O Perry Walker High (1971-1983).  Coach Jones later led as Head Football Coach at Joseph S. Clark High (1983-1986), Head Football Coach at O. Perry Walker High (1986-1991), and Head Football Coach at West Jefferson High (1991-2001). Coach Jones was invited to coach at Greenville High (Greenville, MS) as an Assistant Football Coach (2007-2009), by one of his former Asst. Coaches, Coach Willie Brown (OPW) who led as the Head Football Coach. With the bible as his playbook, he was able to command respect on campus and the field, always leading by example, demonstrating unconditional love, commitment, discipline, and sacrifice. In local church ministry, Elder Jones has served at Bible Way Church of God in Christ in Harvey, LA since its founding by his father, Supt. Robert P. Jones, Jr., in 1963. He served as Deacon, Minister, and Elder at Bible Way COGIC, currently Pastored by Elder Ishmael Jackson. He was appointed Louisiana Eastern Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Youth Department President, by Bishop Gerald H. Hawkins, Sr., and served from 2015 to 2020. Byron leaves to cherish his memory, his Wife, Sylvia Jones; Children: Michelle Jones, Byron Jones Jr., Aieda McFarland (Michael), Joy Colbert (Antoine), Brandon Jones, and Sarah Bergeron (Andrew). Grandchildren: Jude Anderson Jr. (Genesis), Brice Anderson, Byranne Jones, Bevan Jones Jr., India Toppins (Chris), Kolby Manuel, Caleb Jones, and Laila Jones, Zaire Wilson, Zuri Wilson, Ameerah McFarland, Asad McFarland, Anai Colbert, Antoine Colbert Jr., Braylon Snell, Brandon P. Jones, Jr., Kailynn Jones, Khari Jones, and Andrew Bergeron III.  Siblings: Dr. Patricia Bell (Larry), Robert Jones, III (Angel), Goddaughter, Adriane Jones Vaughan, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his Parents: Superintendent Robert P. Jones, Jr. and Missionary Elouise Jones, and Sarah Cross Francis; his Son, Bevan Jones, Sr.; his Granddaughter, Abiah Jones; his Grandson, Byron Jones III, and his Granddaughter Ava Bergeron. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Celebration of Life at Thompson Temple Church of God in Christ, 1515 Whitney Ave., Gretna, LA on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 10 a.m. Visitation services are offered twice: Friday, February 16, 2024, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. (coaches, players, family, and friends are encouraged to share reflections between 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.). The second Visitation service will be Saturday, February 17, 2024, 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. (service will commence at 10 a.m.). Interment will follow at Westlawn Memorial Cemetery.  Repast will take place at the Thompson Temple Keith E. Thornton Sr. Family Life Center (building adjacent to the sanctuary) following the burial. Arrangements by Davis Mortuary Service, 230 Monroe St. Gretna, LA. To view and sign the guestbook, please go to www.davismortuaryservice.com.

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