William Charles Jones, Sr. affectionately known as “WC” was born on June 18, 1936, in Greenville, South Carolina to the late Mark Peter Jones and the late Edith Norris Jones.
WC graduated from Sterling High School in Greenville, S.C. Along with his family, WC moved to New Haven, Connecticut in 1955. WC worked many fulfilling jobs throughout New Haven; however, of all the jobs, he is best known for his remarkable role as Director of the Dixwell Community Soul Station during the late ‘60s through early ‘70s. In this role, he passionately mentored and influenced a generation of youth and young adults.
For 26 years, WC worked for Metro-North Railroad in the Track Department until his retirement in 2002. Once retired, WC began working as a before and after school bus driver for the JCC of Greater New Haven; this was a job he loved dearly.
For many years, WC was a member of Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church; he also enjoyed worshiping at Varick Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church. Additionally, he attended First Baptist Church of Milford where he participated in the Men’s Ministry, assisted with their outreach program, and Clothes Closet.
WC truly loved helping people. He worked very hard in the community, dividing his volunteer services between the town of Hamden’s Keefe Community Services Center, New Haven’s Tower East, Tower West, and Christian Community Action. WC was an advocate worker and mentor with Bill W. for over 31 years. WC was committed to community service. He mentored at the local jail every Friday night, only missing twice in 27 years, and that was because the jail was on lock down. He enjoyed attending the children’s football, baseball, and basketball games as well as the dance recitals. WC enjoyed life; specifically, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
WC was a routine kind of guy! He faithfully attended the gym at 4:30 a.m. three times a week; he prided himself on selfcare. At the re-opening of his home gym, he was captured on the news as the first to return.
WC leaves behind four daughters, Phyllis A. Jones of Charlotte, N.C., Karen P. Jones of New Haven, CT., Patricia A. Killian (Nathaniel) of Charlotte, N.C., and Deborah Smith (John) of Spartanburg, S.C.; one son, William C. Jones, Jr. aka “Billy” of New Haven, CT.; loving sister with whom he shared a home, Dr. Sharon C. “Sam” Jones McCann (Percy) of New Haven, CT.; brother, Mark Keith Jones, of Buffalo, N.Y.; 30 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 4 great great-grandchildren; special nephew, Aaron O. Scott; special niece, Amber S. Moye, both of New Haven; and special friend, Miriam Teague. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Simone L. Jones.
A celebration of his life will take place Friday, March 18, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Beulah Heights First Pentecostal Church, 782 Orchard St, New Haven, CT 06511. Friends may call Friday at the church from 9:00 – 11:00 AM. Interment will be private. The Family is asking that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the William Jones Scholarship Fund via https://www.michelleshousect.org/ Michelle’s House, Sickle Cell Disease Assoc. of America CT. Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06511. To leave a message of comfort for the Jones family, please visit, www.hkhfuneralservices.com