It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Ernest L. Jones.
On behalf of the staff and management of Strong & Jones Funeral Home, Inc., we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Ernest L. Jones.
Funeral services will be 2:00PM Saturday, January 11, 2025 at Old West Enrichment Center. Burial will follow at Culley's Meadowood Park & Cemetery.
Marilyn Peraza sent Peace Lily for Mr. Ernest L. Jones - January 10, 2025
Sending love and prayers to you and all your family
Love's Journey was sent for Mr. Ernest L. Jones - January 10, 2025
The Schefflera Arboricola was sent for Mr. Ernest L. Jones - January 10, 2025
My deepest condolences to the Jones family, I knew Coach Jones at Rickards High School, I thought he was one of the coolest guys on the planet, he caught me skipping a class when I was in ninth grade (1975) in the woods behind the school, we laughed on the way back to his office. I wish I'd been able to know him as an adult, he was truly a remarkable man. God bless. Darryl Wallace, class.of 79.
My heartfelt condolences to Mrs.Jones,and Family. In the Fall of 1971 you step on the campus of James S. Rickards High School. You were bigger than life. With that Fro & Hat & fly fashion the look that came straight from your designer book. Coach kept all of us in line. You better not get caught in the halls when that bell rung. We learned it all from you. The dedication professionalism,and sincere compassion displayed didn't leave us when we graduated. So, good by for now Coach Rock Jones,but your Legacy will live on in us,and in all that knew you. Rest in Heaven.
Deborah Cozart-Hawkins RHS Class of 1975
Dearest Dr. Jones & Family, Offering my deepest condolences and support to you as a friend and sister-in-honor of NHUBW. I didn't get the opportunity to personally meet Coach "Rock," but it is apparent he was a "Gold Star" leader, mentor, teacher, uncle, Father, & dedicated Husband. God allows angels to walk among us t0 demonstrate love, kindness, compassion, and generosity to those around us. It seems as your greatest Love was such and he couldn't have shared his life with a more deserving equally gentle and sweet spirit than you! Here for you as a friend and sister whenever you need a gentle hug or listening ear! Love you Dr. Jones! Your Friend, Dr. Cyndy Reed Stewart
At the age of 17 I was inspired to learn how to make my own clothes by rock Jones,he and his wife, was one of the sharpest dressed people,I ever met in my life.After taking a class in home make the rest was history.I landed a professional job with the state and part time job in retail that lasted 33 years.How you,carry yourself will earn you respect.Because of Rock,love and compassion for the students at what ever school they attended his mentor to them kept them from making stupid mistakes, that would land them in jail or prison or on drugs and even ending up in the grave yard Mr.Ernest L.Rock Jones was one he'll of a man and he will forever rest in peace may the lord comfort the family always Ms.sherry A.Tucker
Dearest Shirley & family- Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. You are such a strong family with the dignity and grace that all should aspire too. You have always been an example for others to follow and it with deepest sympathy for you and your family. Lynda Roser
SIP Coach Jones...He was a man that many young teenagers at RHS REDSKINS looked up to as a father figure. He dressed like a fashion model daily. I looked forward to seeing what he and his wife would wear to basketball games. As a matter of fact, I took home economics after finding out that he and his wife made most of the clothes. My very first garment was a beautiful baby blue corduroy blazer. The collar was stuffed to keep the back side upward. Back in the day we thought that was cool. Love U, Mrs. Nina Harris-Logan
SIP Coach Jones...He was a man that many young teenagers at RHS REDSKINS looked up to as a father figure. He dressed like a fashion model daily. I looked forward to seeing what he and his wife would wear to basketball games. As a matter of fact, I took home economics after finding out that he and his wife made most of the clothes. My very first garment was a beautiful baby blue corduroy blazer. The collar was stuffed to keep the back side upward. Back in the day we thought that was cool.
A remarkable individual who touch so many students lives at Rickards High School. His presence and his style was class A. He was definitely our "Lean On Me" figure. Angela Smith c/o 86.
Shirley, I was so sorry to read that Ernest had passed. You were a good coworker and friend to me, especially when my mom died. I think of that often. You and Ernest made both our dresses for the funeral. And I can still pronounce "Dawn" thanks to you. May you and your family find comfort in fond memories. Betty Ely
My prayers and sympathy to the Jones family. Coach Jones Rock was a friend, confidant, mentor, and role model for so many Redskins. You will be greatly missed, but I really appreciate the knowledge and advice you gave me in my years at Rickards. SB C/O '89!!
OMG, I don't know what to start from with this great guy. Coach Rock, you made me the last I am today. Without all those paddles that you gave me in high school and walking the hallways looking for me..lol..I will never forget you. I be in class and you come on that intercom and telling me to bring my Gate mouth to the office. I stay in so much trouble back then but you was the only one kept me in line. We are truly going to miss a good one. RIP Coach Rock!
Rest In Peace Coach. Thank you for always leading by example. You made a positive difference in all the lives you touched. Brandy Mills
To the Jones family I send my condolences. I will always remember coach as a man of integrity from Herbert Wyche and family.
Rock was simply the greatest. He held all of us accountable was a great leader for the Redskin clan. He was a legend and can only be remembered as such. Let me get my Gate Mouth self off this internet. Rest in Paradise. Class of 1992
Rest in Heaven Coach Jones. Your earthly work is done. You have touched the lives of thousands of students and your lessons will be carried on in eternity. My deepest condolences to your lovely wife and family. Thank you for sharing this magnificent man with the world. LaVita Sherman C/O 1982
I am so Happy I was able to come see your celebration at Rickards, . I made that special trip from Texas to see you the Man, the true image, THE Rock. Forever in our Redskin hearts. Extending love to your family.
"Coach" Jones was so much more than a coach. He was far ahead of his time and a great pillar to humanity. May his family be comforted with the literal thousands of change impartations he made to the lives of many, especially the students he impacted. (Literally haha - I was a recipient of the paddle of wisdom)
Thank you family for allowing the Redskin family to love Rock as much as you did. He was the Best of the Best, a man that kept us in line from dangers seen and unseen. He was not ashame to use his rod to chastise us and parted wisdom with every lick. The thing that amazed me most was how he remembered our names; either the first or last name. He has lived a great life and served his purpose; imparting wisdom and love to so many. You are loved Rock and never will be forgotten! Vanessa Hargrett 'Slim' Hill, c/o '77. RIP 'ROCK'.
Wow, some people are just born to be great and touch the lives of many. Rock, as he was so fondly known to us at Rickards, was very dear to me during my days in High School. We spent much time together as my mischievousness was no match for his foresighted brilliance. Even with his sometime advanced warnings, he would still out think and catch me making errors in judgment. I became such a fixture in his office, that it was almost like a class for us. A class that taught me many lessons and impressed upon me a great love for this kind and spirited giant of a man. I remember the last time I was visiting his office to be reprimanded, he, the principal and I engaged in such formative conversation, that when we concluded, I was headed out the door. He beckoned me back and said, we just can't let him leave without corrective actions. So I was given three days at home to contemplate my unjust behavior. No love was ever lost. And none ever will be. Rest in peace gentle giant. You fought a great fight. You've finished the race. You kept the faith. Your great deeds will live forever. -Vincent Welcome C\O 81
My Condolences to the Family and Friends. Coach Jones was a mentor to all the students who crossed his path. Rest in peace 🙏🏾. Donna Wiggins Swilley
To Shirley and all of Coach Jones's family members, we offer hope that the prayers of those who care will help ease the pain you're experiencing. May all of your sweet memories of Ernest bring you peace, joy, happiness and comfort. I had the privilege of working with him at James S. Rickards High School. He made a lasting impact on every student, parent and employee that he came in contact with whether as a teacher, a coach or an administrator. My experiences are ones that I will cherish forever! General and Gladys Ford Caswell
To a wonderful man that inspired me and all my friends to reach for the stars, even though he was giving us licks with the largest paddle I ever seen. Thank you Coach Jones(ROCK) for all the good you poured into all of the Richard's Redskins. GOD BLESS YOU.
On behalf of the Rickards High School Alumni Association we send our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers to our former Coach, Mentor and Administrator wife, daughter and other family members. God's blessings to them all.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.