Dr. Hezekiah Silvara Jones was born on March 24, 1940 to the proud parents of David Jones and Ruthina Mick Sinclair. Throughout his life, he made an impression on everyone which garnered him many names of affection; “Bipsey” to his siblings, “Hez” to his friends, and “Doc” to his students, but the one he was most proud of is “Poppie” to his children and grandchildren.
Hezekiah grew up in Jamaica as the fourth of seven siblings. As a soccer player, he attended and graduated from Dinthill Technical High school in Linstead, Jamaica. After graduation he attended the Jamaica School of Agriculture and North Carolina A&T where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree. His education journey continued to University of Illinois where he received a master’s degree and PhD.
On April 25, 1964 he married the love of his life, Yvonne Cecelia Richards. Ironically, they met at a wedding and didn’t know then that it would be the start of their fairytale. To this union, three children were born, two sons, Hugh and Richard, and a daughter Camille (Milly). His family grew welcoming five grandsons, four great-grandsons, and one great-granddaughter.
He was heavily recruited and hired as a professor at Alabama A& M where he taught for over thirty-one years before retiring. During his tenure, he served as an advisor for the International Student Association and the Caribbean Association. He also, worked with the U.S. Dept of Agriculture Farmer Home Administration to improve the well-being of small farmers. Because of his work and dedication, he was honored as “Teacher of the Year.” In his personal life, he loved to garden, cook, listen to music, and spend time with his lovely wife and children.
He passed peacefully, on February 8, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, David Jones and Ruthina Sinclair, his siblings Stanley “Dockey” Jones, Eleazor “Mac” Mcclean, Margarita Pansita “Margaret” Jones Crawford Hepburn, Irving “Bubba” Burke, his loving sons, Hugh S. Jones Sr. and Richard P. Jones, daughter in law, Norma Jean, and grandson, Brandon Tyler Jones.
Hezekiah leaves to cherish his memories; his wife of 56 years, Yvonne Jones; daughter, Camille Jones Bryant (Curtis); grandsons, Hugh “John” Jones, Jr., Taylor Jones; grandchildren, James “Quad” Bryant, Sean Bryant, great grandchildren, Vanna Claire Jones, Crew Jones, Cameron, Jones, and Roman Jones; sisters, Revy Burke, and Prudence Lucas, and many nieces, nephews, extended family.
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