Elbert Ray Jones

Nashville –

Elbert Ray Jones, 95, went home to be with Jesus on August 31, 2023. Elbert was born on September 20, 1927, to Richard C. Jones and Fannie Bet Hedgepeth Jones. Elbert grew up on a farm with his parents, six brothers and four sisters.  He grew up during The Great Depression and World War II. Times were difficult, but his family persevered through it all. He left school in the 8th grade to help on his family’s farm. He met the love of his life, Helen Rose while she was in high school. They were married on January 29, 1950.

Elbert and Helen lived outside of Red Oak on a plot of land that he purchased from his Father and Mother. Elbert became an electrician and subsequently started his own business (E.R. Jones Electric). There wasn’t much that he couldn’t fix. Over the years he became known to all in the Red Oak community. He became highly respected for the quality of his work and for his honesty, integrity, and friendliness. Elbert would often take Helen with him on service calls he received. They were inseparable. He and Helen cultivated a garden every year, one that produced much more than they could use. They did this so that they could share God’s abundance with their family and friends.

In November of 1952, God blessed Elbert and Helen with a daughter, Patricia, who is their pride and joy. She and her husband, Doug have two children, Amy & Kristin. Elbert and Helen provided childcare for Amy & Kristin during their preschool years. Together, they instilled the values of honesty, integrity, and a love for Jesus Christ. He was often heard teaching them songs of faith. “He’s Still Working on Me” was one of his favorites. That legacy of faith has been transmitted to his family. Now his four great grandchildren are being taught that same love for his Savior and Lord. Elbert and Helen were members of Englewood Baptist Church. 

Elbert leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter, Patricia Jones Ezzell (husband Doug), granddaughters, Amy Massengale and Kristin Sanchez.  Amy’s husband Kyle, their four children (Finley, Wyatt, Silas, and Norah), and Kristin’s husband Joe Sanchez. He also leaves brother Robert Jones and sister Juanita Bunn. In addition to his parents, Elbert was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years Helen Rose Jones. Also, brothers: John Jones, R.C. Jones, Jr., Howell Jones, Charlie Jones, and George Jones; sisters: Louise  Brown, Virginia Moran, and Elizabeth Rigg.

A very special thank you to a dear friend, Hope Lewis for the expressions of Christ-like love and caring toward Elbert and Helen over the past years. Hope loved and cared for them as if they were her very own. The family would also like to thank all of the wonderful people of Hospice of Wilson for their outpouring of loving care Elbert’s last days. 

A service will be held on Sunday, September 3, 2023 at 2:00pm at Englewood Baptist Church, 1350 S Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27803. Interment will follow at Rocky Mount Memorial Park, 4544 Dortches Boulevard, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to City of Refuge (http://www.cityofrefugerm.org), address 1350 S. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27803.