Frederick Edward Jones

On September 7, 1935, the world was gifted with the birth of Frederick Edward Jones. He was born in Chicago, Illinois to the union of Wavie Marie and Fred Lee Jones. He had one birth sister named Fannie. His parents and Fannie preceded him in death.

Fred was a man of God. His evangelism was in his service to his fellow man. He was baptized at an early age and worshipped, ministered, and served faithfully at St. Malachy Church for over 75 years. He lived his faith and demonstrated it daily in his Christian walk.

Early in life, Fred went to live with Mary Widman, his surrogate mother, at St. Martin De Porres House on Chicago’s Westside. He became part of a loving Christian family where he was cherished, nurtured, and provided with all the blessings and benefits needed for a wholesome childhood. He enjoyed the companionship of his new siblings, Paul, Marita, and John and together their love and bonding flourished.

On November 25, 1961, Fred married Vernita Johnson. From this union two children were born, Frederick “Rick” Jones, Jr. (who preceded him in death) and Lisa Marie. After the dissolution of this marriage, Fred found love again and on November 24, 1979, he was united in holy matrimony to Susan Catherine Zei. From this union Ebonee Dawn was born. Susan preceded him in death.

Fred began his formal schooling at Tennyson Elementary School and later transferred to St. Malachy Catholic School where he received both his elementary and high school diplomas. St. Malachy would be the Parish he would faithfully serve throughout his lifetime. After high school, Fred attended DePaul University and earned a Bachelor’s degree in voice and music education and a Master’s degree in education.

Upon graduation, Fred began his teaching career at Grant School located in the heart of the Rockwell Gardens Community on Chicago’s near Westside. He served there for 43 years as a teacher, music director, assistant principal, and principal. Fred loved Grant School and Rockwell Gardens and passionately used his time, talent, and energies to make both bastions of excellence. As the music director, he tapped into the talent of the students and did several major stage productions. His magnum opus was a musical play called “Purple on the Moon.” Under Fred’s leadership and direction, it rivaled the best that even Broadway had to offer!

Fred lived life to the fullest. His childhood experiences at the Martin De Porres Center and annual visits to the Marycrest Farm in Elgin, Illinois developed in him a sense of wonder and awe. He loved music, concerts, traveling, dining out, dressing in style, entertaining, planning events, shopping, especially on Amazon, and sports. He especially loved family gatherings and had a knack for making each family member feel uniquely special. Fred embraced good times, good people and good living.

Fred was well known for his eloquent singing voice and was frequently a featured soloist throughout Chicagoland. His rich, resonating tenor tones brought joy to many at weddings, baptisms, celebrations, homegoings, churches, parishes, and places where beautiful music was cherished. “Ave Maria,” “The Messiah,” and “Jesus Christ is the Way” were his signature pieces. His longtime friend and musician, Arthur Griffin, Jr., frequently accompanied him. When Fred sang, his audiences felt anointed.

Fred was a very generous, kind, caring, and compassionate individual. The Martin De Porres Center where he spent his developmental years was influential in shaping his values and his dreams. He was an unselfish humanitarian who had a heart for serving others. That was his calling. Fred was also a visionary. If he saw a need, he envisioned a solution. He was an organizer, a motivator, a mentor, and a doer. He championed many causes and his presence was felt wherever he served. Fred valued all people and he had an uncanny ability to identify talents and skills in others that hitherto were untapped. He believed in recognizing a person’s contributions and rewarding them for their selfless efforts and deeds. He challenged those he met along his journey to be their best and he offered his patient guidance and support to this end. Many called it love.

Fred received numerous awards throughout his lifetime for his service and talents including the prestigious Fr. Augustus Tolton Award given by each Parish to the lay person who has supported the Black Catholic population the most. Fred received this award on numerous occasions.

In 2002, Fred retired from the Chicago Public Schools. After retirement, he worked tirelessly at St. Malachy Parish as the music director, a lay administrator, and as a change agent for improving life. He was a living legacy whose myriad of deeds will never be diminished.

Fred Jones leaves to cherish his memory and love; His daughters, Lisa Marie (Gary Herlitz), Ebonee Jones, Barbara Hill, Mickia Davis; His son, Quincy Jones; five grandchildren, Lloyd Jones, Kelli Herlitz-Walker (Chris Walker), Kyler Herlitz, Cameron Coppage, Carter Jones; two great-grandchild Niklaus Walker and Jaylen Jones, two siblings Paul Jones, Marita Widman, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, and former students.

Fred’s spirit will continue to live deep within our hearts. His guidance will forever be a beacon in our lives. May he rest in eternal peace.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnchicago.com for the Jones family.