Otis Jones

Otis Van Cliff Jones was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, on March 26, 1938, to the late Ani Walter Jones and Thelma Griffin Jones. Otis was the third of six children. Otis attended Second Ward Colored Elementary School and graduated in June 1951. He then went on to attend W. O. Boston High School, graduating in June of 1956. Otis continued his education at Grambling State College majoring in Math and English. On June 27, 1970 he married the love of his life, Rose Cheryl Wimberly. Otis was a devoted husband, regularly referring to his wife as “Sweets,” since that’s what Rose was to him! They recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. The two enjoyed traveling the country, especially by car, which occurred more frequently when their family of two grew to four. Otis and Rose welcomed Pedrick and Charity, where they often enjoyed family vacations and spending time together. Otis worked for Ford Motor Company for 35 years. During his retirement, he remained the family social butterfly. He was very actively engaged with his high school classmates, friends from Grambling, former colleagues from Ford, along with friends and family up until God called him home on December 23rd, 2020. Otis was actively involved at Second Baptist Church in Ann Arbor, serving as a trustee and deacon for a number of decades. He could be found sitting on the front pew of the church every Sunday morning. As a man of many talents, time and distance was not an issue for him. He once spent the better part of a year in Georgia working on his brother’s house. His various skills had a positive impact on many communities, including Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia, and Louisiana. Otis was a lending hand when you needed it most. He could fix a variety of household items and was always ready to lend a hand or a tool to a fellow neighbor or friend. One of his favorite pastimes was tending to his garden, planting his favorite red geraniums. Or supporting his grandchildren in their many extracurricular activities. Everyone could benefit from his kind and giving nature. Otis was a servant, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all. Otis is preceded in death by his parents; Ani and Thelma Jones, his oldest brother; Sidatsingh Jones, two sisters; Mary Elizabeth Jones, and Ester Ruth Curtis. He leaves behind a legacy of love and faith. He is survived by loving wife; Rose Cheryl Jones, brothers; Richard (Katherine) Jones, William A. Jones; sons Craig Lewis, Pedrick (Angel) Jones, daughter; Charity Woods, sister-in-law; Janie (Douglas) Wimberly, brother-in-law; James Wimberly, his precious grandchildren; Brittany Manuel, Alani Letang, Skylan Jones, Xavier Paige, Heavyn Dyer-Jones, great-granddaughter; Summer Anne Manuel, Nieces and Nephews; Wanda Ramirez, Armand Jones, Danielle Jones, Shalamar Curtis and Darlene Curtis. State of Michigan COVID-19 guidelines will be followed; Family hour will be from 10:00 A.M. until 12: P.M. The Home Going Service will be Private, with Family only and limited to 25 people. Your cooperation is appreciated. Please go to the funeral chapel website for further information on the live stream funeral service.