Frank Jones

Frank Jones, Sr. was born on April 4, 1919, to the late William and Carrie Crispin Jones in Coatopa, Alabama. He was the youngest of six siblings who all preceded him in death. He was a Navy veteran,
widower, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, uncle, great uncle, great-great
uncle, friend, faithful church member and a servant of God.
Frank accepted Christ as his Savior and joined the Canaan Baptist Church in Bessemer. Later after
learning about the Adventist message, he became a member of the First SDA Church in Bessemer. He
attended a school where his father was the community schoolteacher. Frank Jones learned the
principles of love, God, education, and honesty from his father.
Frank Jones flourished with a strong faith as he pursued a life of excellence and integrity. Frank's first
job was with Allison Lumber Company in Bellman Alabama. He worked diligently with his brothers
and father until he moved to Birmingham to live with his older brother. He worked in Birmingham
until being drafted by the United States Army. When he arrived in Fort Benning Georgia, he informed
the Army that his brother was in the army, and he preferred the Navy. He was permitted to join the
navy and was introduced to the world of travel where he discovered an even broader perspective and
appreciation for life.
Frank was sent to The Naval Training AVAL Center in Bainbridge, Maryland for basic training. He
returned home to Coatopa for seven days to visit with family. After having such a joyous time, Frank
was sent to APB, Solomon, Maryland, and then to APB The Naval Amphibious Base in Little Creek,
Virginia where he prepared for Pearl Harbor.
As a World War II Veteran, Frank he enjoyed historical reflections of that era. He recalls how The
United States Navy grew rapidly during World War II from 1943–1945. He traveled on USS LCI (G)
-472 ship to Pearl Harbor and saw firsthand the devastation that had occurred. He was stationed at
Pearl Harbor until 1945 and then sent to Bainbridge, Maryland. He was honorably discharged from
the Navy on December 14, 1945.
After Frank’s military service, he was hired at U S Pipe where he labored for 26 years and received
promotions. Something awesome and amazing happened -- He married Rosie Horn on August 24,
1946, they were married for ‘’69 years’’ and had a beautiful family of eight children. They raised their
children in Bessemer and later moved to McCalla where he was able to farm. He grew vegetables and
cotton as a cash crop. He typically sowed cottonseed in the field as early as mid-March and finished
planting by the end of June. He learned to be a provider and a loving parent, which he also taught his
children.
Frank was a member of the First SDA Church of Bessemer where he proudly enjoyed working in the
church and community services. He served as a deacon, Pathfinder leader and a member of the
Adventist Men. He also was the General Contractor in building a community church in Lowetown,
Alabama. He had a relationship with God and maintained a strong faith in him. His belief in living a
life of service and being grateful for all his blessings has not faltered. He saw the world change and
watched his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren navigate through a totally different
world than the one he grew up in.
On Thursday, July 21st, Frank departed this life at 10:15 am. He was preceded in death by his wife,
Rosie Horn Jones and two children, Annie Sanford, and Alvin Jones.
Frank Jones’s legacy will be remembered by four daughters and two sons: Frank (Patricia), Jones,
Carrie (Arthur) Sanders, Mary Williams, Earlene (James) Mitchell, Earl (Beverly) Jones, and Rosie Grissom;
twelve grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren and five great great-grandchildren. He also
leaves a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends