Deacon Thomas Jones

Deacon Thomas Reese Jones

Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, Retired

January 26, 1948 – June 1, 2025

Thomas Reese Jones was born on January 26, 1948, in Augusta County, Staunton, VA, to the late James T. Jones, Sr. and Irene (Baldwin) Jones. After a long illness, Thomas peacefully went home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 1, 2025, at the age of 77.

Thomas joined the U.S. Army and completed his high school education through The Army High School Completion Program. He also obtained a degree as an engineer. His military service included assignments of distinction, including time at the White House in an official capacity. While in the army, he mentored fellow soldiers through counseling, received several awards and numerous commendations, including a Purple Heart medal for his service in Vietnam. Thomas served honorably for 25 years, achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class (E7). He retired from the army as a criminal investigator.

After retiring from the army, Thomas continued his career in public service, working for several organizations including the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and the Veterans Administration in East Orange, NJ.

Thomas met the love of his life Nora Wall. Thomas and Nora were married on June 27, 1987. They were married for 38 years. Collectively, they had seven children.

After relocating to the Washington, DC metropolitan area, Thomas became a member of Free Hope Baptist Church, where he was ordained as a deacon under the leadership of Pastor Charles W. Dockett. He participated in the male chorus, contributed to outreach ministry, and regularly visited prisons facilities. Together with Nora, he started the Healing Water Deliverance Ministry and together they also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies at Lancaster Bible College. Additionally, Thomas held the position of Chaplain at Doctor’s Hospital, now known as Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center.

In his later years, he became a member of The Shepherd’s House International Christian Church in Upper Marlboro, MD, under the leadership of Senior Pastor R. Kevin Matthews. He also served as a deacon and attended services regularly until his health prevented him from doing so. His favorite scripture was Psalms 23. Thomas was a man of strength, honor, and unwavering dedication to the Lord Jesus Christ, his country and his family. He cherished spending time with his loved ones and took pride in the legacy he built through service and sacrifice. He enjoyed feeding the hungry. He played basketball and was a talented boxer; Thomas competed at the Golden Gloves level.

Thomas was preceded in death by three brothers, Curtiss W. Jones, James T. Jones, Jr., and Michael U. Jones; one sister, Agnes Louise Jones; and one daughter, Stacy Jones Young.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Nora; six children, Thomas Jones, Jr. (Jeanne), James Christopher Jones (Yolanda), Anjenette Malvina Darden, Clarence Junior Darden, Granger Dexter Darden, and Demetrius Antwoin Jones; 15 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one sister, Sarah A. Veney; one brother, Arthur Louis Jones (Mary); and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and cherished friends.

Thomas Reese Jones will be remembered for his courage, loyalty, and the love he gave so freely to those around him. His life was a testament to resilience, duty, and faith.