from: MyValleyTributes staff
Posted: Aug 20, 2021 / 4:40 PM EDT
Updated: Aug 20, 2021 / 4:40 PM EDT
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Mr. Maurice Lemar Jones, Sr., left this life on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown.
Mr. Jones was born on July 11, 1968 in Youngstown, Ohio to Charles Jones and Betty Irby.
He was a proud graduate of the East High Golden Bears. He has been very active in school performances / theater, variety shows, choir and many other school activities.
Youngstown East High School Alumni Tribute
He was a keyboardist and singer in the Reynolds Brothers Band and started out as a band player and backing vocalist for the infamous The Edsel Group, which recorded the hit “Rama Lama Ding Dong” on many occasions. Maurice felt most comfortable singing praises to his king.
He was a member of Faith Temple Missionary Baptist Church for over 25 years, where he played drums and was a member of the choir.
At the time of his death, Maurice had been a member of Tri-C for more than fifteen years, where he was a member of the choir, worship team, music ensemble and was instrumental in organizing a men’s choir. He was very much loved by everyone there.
Maurice was a football coach for the Panthers Little League for many years and then resigned to proudly devote his time to shaping his son Maurice Jr.’s (RJ) football career from Peewee to college football, mentoring many of the young men who played the sport with his son. Maurice Sr. and son Maurice Jr. both share a love for the San Francisco 49ers.
Maurice was also an employee of the Youngstown City Water Department.
Maurice leaves his wife, the former Joanne Cruz, his mother, to preserve his memory; Betty Irby, his children; Maurice Jr., Iesha Jones, Miesha Jones, Valdino Marion, Tiffany Marion, Andre Marion, Joseh Marion and Tabitha (Tyrone) Allen, 33 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, siblings; Charles (Debra) Jones, Ulysess Irby, Charsetta Jordan, Annette Mitchell, James (Rachel) Goodley, Jeanette Berry and Tina Sherene, an aunt; Joan (Darnell) Blunt and an uncle; James Lewis and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
In death his brother preceded him; DeJuan Thomas Sr., a grandfather Horace Stark, grandmother; Fannie Mae Starks and grandfather Colmon Reed and Dorothy Lynn Thomas.
On Monday, August 23rd, 2021 there will be a viewing only from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. FD Mason Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.
Please remember to wear your mask over your mouth and nose when entering the building. Thanks in advance.
A TV Tribute will air Monday, August 23, at the approximate times of 5:17 am on WKBN, 8:39 am on FOX, 5:21 pm on WYTV, and 6:35 pm on MyYTV.
