Obituary of Clarence L. Jones

Clarence L. Jones of Rochester, NY loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully following several months of declining health on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 in New Hartford, NY. Having celebrated his 91st birthday on September 8th, a date he shares with his great-grand daughter, Carter Love. Clarence was born in Elizabeth City, NC to the late Fannie Jones. An only child, he was predeceased by a first cousin, Irene Moran who was more like a sister than a cousin. Clarence graduated from P. W. Moore High School in Elizabeth City where he met his future bride, Eulah Basnight. Clarence was an avid runner in high school and loved football, despite his small build. Following high school, he moved to Waterbury, CT working at a tire factory for 2 years, followed by a draft to the Army, where he served in the Korean War. As an army veteran he was awarded a Purple Heart. Upon his return to the states he attended North Carolina A&T and then returned to Elizabeth City for his patiently waiting bride, who was now a nursing school graduate. Like many African Americans of his generation, he and Eulah became a part of the great migration, taking a Greyhound bus to Rochester, NY to begin their northern journey. Shortly after arriving he landed a job at Eastman Kodak, which evolved into a 35-year career. Eulah began her career as a nurse at the University of Rochester’s, Strong Memorial Hospital. Slowly but surely God’s plans were unfolding. A son was born in February of 1958, Clarence Leonard Jones. An earth angel arrived shortly afterwards, Thelma Thomas Haizlip to find her own opportunities and to take care of Leonard. In 1962 they purchased their little ranch on hill, on the city’s east side. In 1964, a second child was born, a daughter named Cynthia Lorretta Jones. Clarence was a dedicated and hard-working employee whose primary love language was providing for his family. A man of few words, he was committed to ensuring that his wife and children had the best in clothing, education and exposure to all of the possibilities the city had to offer. He had several non-negotiables as it relates to Sunday mornings in preparation for service at Aenon Baptist Church; a clean car, a pressed suit and shirt, shined shoes and a sharp hat. Aenon provided the foundation for his faith and his purpose, as he served diligently on the Trustee Board for several years, having been honored in 2010 for that dedication. He was passionate about his Buffalo Bills and good food. In fact, food may have been his second love language as Clarence rarely said a word during a good meal. In 1989, Clarence gained a second daughter as Leonard married Donna Newble-Jones, who just happened to be from North Carolina. Retiring from Kodak in 1991, he was blessed with his first granddaughter, Ashleigh Paige Jones in February of 1992. This was a cause for celebration as Clarence, Eulah, Thelma and George all flew to Texas to watch the newest member of the Jones family. In 1996, the bloodline continued as a grandson was born, Zachary Wyatt Jones. Poppa beamed with pride and played on the ground with his grandchildren, to the surprise of his own children. Soon the family expanded as Cindy married Robert, whose last name just happened to be Jones. Clarence gained another granddaughter in Taylor Jones (Love) and now there were three. Retirement included many holiday trips to Connecticut, and then to Chicago. Clarence began volunteering at St. John’s Nursing home, first to pass the time and slowly but surely found that it was a blessing to bless others. His unselfish service resulted in a recognition award following 10 years of volunteering. In 2018, the family expanded as Taylor and Trevor Love welcomed, Carter Love, Clarence’s first great-grandchild who was born on September 8, just like her Poppa! A life well lived, a faith that conquered many obstacles, a quiet love that advocated for his family and a mindset that prepared for the future. Clarence will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on for generations to come. He is survived by his wife, Eulah Basnight Jones, son, C. Leonard (Donna), daughters Dr. Cynthia (Robert), Kathye Adams, grandchildren; Ashleigh, Zachary and Taylor Jones Love (Trevor), great-grandchild; Carter. Cousins, Carl Jones (Alberta), Wilford Moran, Jr. (deceased) Patricia, Linda Moran Washington (William), Clarence Jerome Moran (Phyllis), Charles Moran (Linda). George & Thelma Haizlip, Alvin Peterson and Jean Davis. In addition to several nieces and nephews previously mentioned, there are countless friends who have been selfless in their compassion. He was predeceased by his mother, Fannie Jones. A wake is scheduled for Friday, October 9th at 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Aenon Baptist Church, 175 Genesee Street, Rochester, NY 14611. An invitation only service will follow the wake, followed by an invitation only interment at White Haven Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family will be establishing a scholarship fund to honor the legacy of Clarence & Eulah Jones.