Mr. Henry "Hank" Jones

His Journey: Henry Lee Jones (Fat, Hank), a resident of Farmington Hills, Michigan, passed away September 7, 2014. He was born to the late Cossie and Emma Marsh Jones of Thomasville, Alabama, He was the seventh of 11 children, five of whom preceded him in death: Ethel, Cossie Jr., Ulysses, R. C. and Earnest. He leaves to cherish his memories: wife, Irene Hopson Jones; three sons and one daughter, Michael Lynn Jones of Cincinnati, OH; Marcus S. (Rhonda) Jones of Southfield, MI; Brandon T. (Tanesha) Jones of Redford, MI and Tai Tanisha (Stephen) Haraway, Lisle, IL; grandchildren, Marcus L. Jones, Darnell Coleman, Ryan Jones, Braelyn Jones, A'Nyree Jones, Renita Martin, Chapria Frazier, Kristan Salter, Kyrell Salter and Tajanae Salter; goddaughter; Kailah Hawkins and dear friend, Mr. Tony Givan. He leaves behind three brothers and two sisters, John (Devator) Danzy and Jimmy Jones, both of Thomasville, AL and David (Emma) Jones of Middleton, TN; Vera Clarke of Thomasville, AL and Gracie Walton of Montgomery, AL. He also leaves a multitude of former co-workers and classmates, nieces, nephews, an aunt and friends. Henry was born to a couple blessed to have 11 children, December 27, 1943. He was pleased to be one of eight boys and three girls. He once proudly professed to be the seventh child. Early scholars regard "7" to be the number of completion. Little was it known that he would reach another count of promised completion; his three scores and ten years (the age of 70). Henry was given the nickname of "Fat" during his early childhood and carried the title into adulthood when he was lovingly penned "Hank" by his friends in the city. He exhibited a happy spirit and easily flashed a radiant smile. His easygoing quality was inherited from his mother, Emma; brothers, John and Jimmy bear similar features. He was a member of the proud Class of 1963 of A. L. Martin High School. He and older sister, Vera, were classmates. He left immediately for a two-year tenure in the United States Army. Upon completion of his tour of duty, he settled in Detroit and made it home. He would later aid brother Earnest in relocating to the city. He also hosted a two-year stay (1977-'79) for niece, Gloria King. Henry demonstrated a strong work ethic early in his life. He worked part-time at Jackson Grocery while in high school. He also drove a school bus. After the military, he worked for "The Big Three" (General Motors, Chrysler and Ford Motor Companies). He later worked for the Department of Transportation as a bus driver for the City of Detroit. There, he completed 32 years of service before retiring. Henry and his wife, Irene, were married for 32 years. He proved to be a good provider for his family. He also spent quality time with his grandchildren. It is ironic that he would depart his earthly home on Sunday, the 7th of September (national Grandparents Day) again, the number of completion.

Mr. Henry "Hank" Jones

December 27, 1943 - September 7, 2014