Walter Maxfield Jones

Jones II departed this life August 12, 2022 to join his heavenly father and reunite with his wife

Barbara Lois White Jones.

On December 28, 1928 Walter Maxfield Jones and Isabel Brown Jones were blessed with an

only child, Walter Maxfield Jones II destined to be a man of courage and greatness.

He was born and raised in Harlem, New York. As a child he was healthy and physically active

until unfortunately at the age of six he was stricken with polio. He spent several years away

from his family, in a rehabilitation hospital located in Haverstraw, New York recovering from the

effects of polio. Walter was determined not to let this illness put limitations on him. Through

hard work he learned to walk again without the assistance of a wheelchair or crutches. Upon

his return to Harlem he lived with his mother who raised him by herself.

He met the love of his life Barbara Lois White, whom he married on February 18, 1951. They

remained married for 46 years before her passing on September 10, 1997.

In 1951, they lived in a one-bedroom apartment on 139th Street and 7th Avenue in Harlem with

their children Delores, Walter Jr, and Lindsey. In 1954, the family moved from Harlem to

Queensbridge housing and lived on the 41st side of 12th Street. Two years later they moved

again to accommodate their growing family to an apartment on the 41st side of Vernon

Boulevard. Their union produced five children Delores, Walter Jr, Lindsey, Marcella, and Gene.

Despite not finding employment in the early 1960s he provided a loving stable home for his

family. His determination to provide for his family landed him several secure jobs. Walter

worked many years at the red building under the Queensboro Bridge, The Linus Realty

Corporation where he worked from 1966 until 1974 as a freight elevator operator and

watchman. He also worked in the Flatiron District in Manhattan at 1115 Broadway and 24th

Street as a freight elevator operator until his retirement in 1995.

Walter was an exceptional husband, father and neighbor. He was well respected throughout

Queensbridge. Community Activism was an important part of his life. He enjoyed speaking

with others and many would seek him out for his invaluable words of wisdom. He took special

interest in young men who lacked positive role models and would speak to them on the

importance of being strong men and to respect women.

Something not well known is that he was one of the original members of the “United Brothers”

who secretly patrolled Queensbridge.

Walter M. Jones was a music enthusiast and viewed music as a vehicle of self-expression.

Though he had no formal musical training he taught himself to play the drums. He spent many

Saturdays playing the drums while listening to jazz records. Over the years he amassed an

unrivaled collection of Jazz Albums, well over 2000. Among his collection were many jazz greats

and lesser known artists. Walter also had a love of photography. He took many photographs in

and around Queensbridge, especially of his family and community events. He took some

memorable photographs of Gus and Danni Zulu’s African dance troupe, local demonstrations

and protests in Queensbridge.

He believed that one must be educated in the history of African Americans and Africans

throughout the world. To that end Walter read all he could about the black man and his history.

His extensive collection of books included the African diaspora, African American history,

religious philosophies and classic African American autobiographies. His collection of books

should be in every household. He was known for dressing in traditional African clothing which

included dashikis and kifi skullcaps.

Walter was a great cook and did not put all the burden of cooking on his wife. We especially

loved his Thanksgiving meals. It was a treat when he made breakfast, it was special. He did not

allow us to eat pork.

During the late 1960s he studied and join the Nation of Islam. In the early 1980’s he converted

to Christianity and joined the Peoples United Methodist Church located on 21st Street, where he

played the drums during service.

The summer of 1982 was probably the most memorable summer of his life. He fulfilled one of

his lifelong dreams. He traveled to Egypt to see the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings and

the Nile. He described it as breathtaking and beyond words.

Walter Maxfield Jones II leaves to celebrate his life, his children, Delores (NY), Walter JR III (CA),

Lindsey (NY), Marcella (MA), Gene (NY). His daughter-in-law Bianca, grandchildren, David Jr,

Tarayah, Jessica, Gene Jr, Matthew, Walter Jr IV, and Collin. Great Grandchildren Jayda,

Mah-iKahii, Anonijah and Lijah. Many cousins that reside in Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, Florida,

Texas and the Philippines. As well as many friends and neighbors from Queensbridge and afar.

The family would like to express our deepest gratitude and love to everyone that has had a role

in Walter’s journey from Queensbridge into eternity.