Ye shall know them by their fruits; Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
These verses, paraphrased from the gospel of St. Matthew, Chapter 7, verses 16, 17, and 20, are indicative of Rosial Carlton Jones, Sr. who God called from labor to reward on Thursday, February 20, 2014. Rosial was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. His life on earth produced many wonderful accomplishments, thus he was a good tree who brought forth good fruit.
Born in Washington, DC on July 1, 1942, Rosial was the last of eight children born to the late James Milton and Desiree (Dean) Jones. “Ro”, as he was affectionately known, was as a man of few words, whose actions spoke for him. He meant so much to so and was sought for his wise counsel to those in need.
Rosial was educated in the public schools of Washington, DC, graduating from Eastern Senior High School in the class of 1960. He worked for DC public schools at Slowe Elementary School for 33 years until his retirement.
Rosial met and united in holy matrimony with the former Geneva C. Owens in November of 1964. Their marriage spanned for 50 years, and were blessed with their four sons and one daughter. Although his children were the pride of his heart, and their friends became his surrogate children, his greatest joy was when he became “Pop - Pop” to his grandchildren.
Pop enjoyed being with family and friends. If anyone found himself without a place to be on Easter, the 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas, he could always find a welcoming place at the home of Rosial and Geneva Jones. Of course, it did not have to be a holiday… football season would do just fine! Win or lose, he was a diehard Redskins fan. As a matter of fact, Rosial led his family, friends & guests in laughter and cheers at this past football season’s playoff games and Super Bowl LXVIII!
The Book of Revelation, Chapter 14:13 states…Blessed are the dead, which die in the Lord from henceforth: that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
Predeceased by a sister, Mary Walker, and a brother, James Jones, Sr., he is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Geneva C. Jones, four sons: Delano, Rosial, Jr. (Traci), Darrell, and Roderick (Quatishia); one daughter, Shawn Johnson (Calvin); seven-grandchildren: Jamaal L. Jones, Victoria L. Jones, Jordyn L. Jones, Roderick Q. Jones, Sieaun Y. Shropshire, Calvin L. Johnson, Jr., Dominique M. Johnson; one great-grandchild; Taylor Johnson; one brother; Virgil Jones, Sr. (Margaret); two sisters: Barbara (Charles) Batts, and Deanna Hamilton; one sister-in-law, Shirley J. Jones; three brothers-in-law; Robert Ramsey, Matthew (Sylvia) Owens, and Billy (Janet) Griffin, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
