Reverend Dr. Kelvin Milton Jones, Sr., was a loving and compassionate servant leader. “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” -Matthew 23:11. “The joy of the Lord is our strength.” -Nehemiah 8:10. Kelvin Milton Jones, Sr., had a contagious smile and laughter that would lighten and brighten up those whom he encountered. Kelvin was a man of God with a big giving heart who loved his family, friends, and neighbors. He was born at the home of his grandparents, Riley and Kate Toney, in Madison, AL on October 14, 1959, to the late Reverend Milton Jones and Eloise Toney Jones. On November 5, 2024, Reverend Jones transitioned to his eternal reward at Madison Hospital. “We are confident yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” – II Corinthians 5:8
Reverend Jones received his early education in Madison/Limestone Counties. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of twelve and joined the Springhill United Methodist Church in Madison, AL under the leadership of the late Reverend Walter Love. He accepted his call to preach the gospel in January 1981. He attended Calhoun Community College, and later enlisted in the United States Army to serve his Country.
After serving his country, he completed licensing school and was ordained in the Huntsville District. On June 6, 1987, he married the love of his life, Mechelle – His Shell of Madison, AL. Together they raised Kelvin Milton, Jr., and Kimberly Mechelle Jones. Kelvin, “Junebug”, was a man of quiet strength and simple pleasures (like fishing with his cousins and friends and keeping the Riley and Kate Toney offsprings united during the monthly family gatherings and reunions). His steadfast character, sense of humor, broad smile, and love for people left a lasting impression on those who knew him. He was mentored at Center Grove United Methodist Church under the leadership of Elder O’Neil Ridgeway, Huntsville, AL,
his next assignment was a three-point charge at Saint Paul, Wesley Chapel, Stevenson, AL; and Joyce Chapel, Scottsboro, AL, and final appointment at Mt. Mariah United Methodist Church, Talucah, AL, where he served faithfully for 28 years. He enjoyed serving as the Dean for the United Women in Faith, Northeast District. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Athens State University. Kelvin continued his pursuit of excellence by attending Newburgh Theological Seminar where he completed his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry, Newburgh, IN on June 9, 2022. He was employed by Teledyne Brown Engineering in Huntsville, AL where he rendered 37 years of service.
He was preceded in death by his father, Reverend Milton Jones; grandparents, Riley and Kate Toney; Willie Jones and Parthina Smith Jones; uncle, Reverend Emeritus Harris Toney; two aunts, Judy Toney Rice and Zelma Rosie (Babydoll) Toney; in-laws, Edward and Pinkie Gladys.
Kelvin will be remembered with love and respect by all who knew him.
He leaves to cherish his memories for his loving and devoted wife, Gwendolyn Gladys Jones; his son, Kelvin Milton Jones, Jr, Madison, AL; his daughter, Kimberly Mechelle Jones, Raleigh, NC; his mother, Eloise Toney Jones, Madison, AL; two brothers, Pastor Dennis B. Jones, Sr. (Debra) and Malcolm Jones of Limestone County, AL; five sisters, Lois Faye Jones (Gregory Hinton), Kathy J. Stallworth (Roderick), Candra Parthina Jones and Regina Johnson (Richard) all of Madison, AL and Kim Bernardette Jones-Goode (Coary) of Woodbridge, VA; three brothers-in-law, Marcus Gladys, Boris Gladys of Madison, AL, and Reginald Sales of Huntsville, AL; three uncles, James (Dillie) Toney, Benford (Louise) Toney, Carl Holley of Madison, AL, and James Smith New Hope, AL; fifteen aunts, Sally Toney Jefferson of Triana AL, Eva Kate Toney Rice of Chattanooga TN, Elnora Toney, Triana, AL, Bettie Toney Reaves, Virginia Jones, Lula Harris, Edna Holley, Margaret (Simon) Holley-Lorperena all of Madison, AL, Estelle Crutcher, Athens, AL, Estella (Ishaq) Holley-Salahuddin, Fairview Heights, IL, Darlene (Albert) Holley-Jones, Northport, AL, Mary Jean (Marvin) Williams, Huntsville, AL, Bobbie Gladys, Harvest, AL; Patricia (Herbert) Shackleford, Chattanooga, TN and Ann Pendleton, Huntsville, AL; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, Mt. Mariah U.M. Church family and friends.
Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Sunday, November 17, 2024 at the Saint Bartley Primitive Baptist Church (3020 Belafonte Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35816) with Reverend O’Neil Ridgeway officiating. Interment will be in the Faith Memorial Gardens. Reverend Dr. Jones will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.
The Jones family will receive guests from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday, November 16, 2024 at the Royal Chapel of Memories.
Public viewing will be held from 12:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Saturday, November 16, 2024 and 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Sunday, November 17, 2024 at the Royal Funeral Home.
