Willie Arthur Jones

Willie A. Jones was born on February 11, 1950, to Reverend Louis B. and Dollean Jones.  The oldest of eight (8) children.  On November 7, 2021, God dispatched His holy angels to the Collingswood Rehab/Nursing Home at 299 Hurley Avenue, Rockville, Maryland, to announce that Willie Jones’ moving day had come.  There was no time to pack, no time to say goodbye.

Sunday evening Willie (Dodie) answered the Lord’s call. He has a new name, a new address in glory.  Willie moved from labor to reward, where there is no more sickness, no more pain, no more heartaches, disappointments, fear, sadness or confusion.

At an early age Willie accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, joining Paradise Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri.  Willie served as an usher, singing on the choir and numerous quartets, attending Bible conventions, and playing on the church’s baseball team.   Willie often worked with his Uncle Jimmy painting, performing lawn work, boiler and roofing repairs.

As a student athlete, Willie attended East High School in Kansas City, playing football, running track, and wrestling.  An aspiring musician, Willie played French horn, in the band and orchestra; as well as playing bass guitar for the neighborhood band, The G Clefs, in the KC area.  After graduating from East High School, Willie attended Northwest Missouri State. 

In 1970, Willie was drafted into the U.S. Army.  After eight (8) weeks of basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, he was assigned to Fort Benning, GA.  After a brief stint in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, he was deployed to Vietnam.  He was stationed in Long Bien, Benwoha, Saigon and Vung Tau.  Following his overseas tour, Willie returned to Kansas City and began employment at Burd and Fletcher Printing Company.  In December 1977, Willie moved to Washington, DC, working for Safeway and Giant.  On April 22, 1979, he began his career in Government service, at the Smithsonian Institution.

Willie’s pursuit for higher learning, led him to study at various colleges and universities: Prince Georges College (Law Enforcement Technology); University of Maryland (Management); Catholic University (Law Enforcement/Management); Marymount University (Security Management); Jackson State University (Security Management). He also served as a member of the Elliptic Security Team, as part of the DC Mayor Taskforce under Marion Barry; trained on bomb disposal techniques with the U.S. Secret Service; and coordinated security for Smithsonian Institution, 150th Anniversary and its folklife festivals.

As a Senior Security Management Specialist, Willie had the privilege of escorting a host of dignitaries including Prince Charles of England; Michael Jackson; Aretha Franklin; President(s):

William Jefferson Clinton; George H.W. Bush, and Ronald Reagan; and Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton.  Other notables include Teddy Pendergrass, Lou Rawls, and Sylvester Stallone.

On January 3, 2014, Willie retired, culminating 38 illustrious years of distinguished service, including garnering numerous awards and accommodations with the Smithsonian Institution. 

Preceding Willie in death: Father, Rev. Louis B. Jones, Sr.; Sister, Ranetta Jones; Grandparent(s): (Nora E. Pierce) Ludyie Mae Maggett; and Obie Maggett.  A special uncle: James Monroe Jones.

Willie leaves to mourn his loving mother, Dollean Jones; devoted wife, Glenda Jones; four (4) children: Ronald Hawthorne and Angelique Matthews (Dwayne), (TX); Willie A. Jones, Jr., (DC); and Jonathan Hunter (Rhonia), (MD); nine (9) grands and two (2) great grandchildren;

Four (4) brothers: Louis B. Jones, II (Michelle), (MD); Jerome Jones, (FL); Mark Jones (Lisa), (DC); Vinton Jones (Keena), (MD); Two (2) sisters: Pamela Jones Cooper (Charles), (MO); Zina Jones (MD); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and two (2) Aunt in-laws and numerous cousin in-laws.

Three (3) devoted friends: Robert McKinney (Roberta), (MD); Vernon Cross (Brenda), (VA) and Arthur Boone (Denise), (NC).

Rest in peace “Willie A. Jones”.  We love you but God loves you best!