Today., we gather to honor the life and legacy of a remarkable man. His passing has left a profound void in our lives, but as we come together to celebrate his memory, we find solace in the significant impact he had on each of us.
Vivian Jones was born on March 29, 1931, to Sylvia Robinson and Hugh Jones in the parish of Manchester, Jamaica. He was the only child born to his mother Sylvia Robinson and the third of twelve children born to his father, Hugh Jones.
Vivian met the love of his life, Celia Peart, and they were married on June 10, 1961. The union produced three daughters and two sons; Karen Weathers (deceased), Glenda Blair, Dale Jones, Lionel Jones and Alludia Grant.
Vivian was more than just a parent; he was a guiding light, a source of wisdom, and a pillar of strength. His love knew no bounds, and his kindness touched the lives of all who knew him. Two of his favorite quotes were; "It is earth runnings" and "One Love Man". He was fondly called "Maas Viv" and "Comrade", from his early days growing up on the island of Jamaica.
He was a man of integrity, honor, and unwavering devotion to his family. "Maas Viv" often acted as the "bail-man," in his community back in Jamaica, where he would provide surety bonds to get folks out on bail.
Daddy was very entrepreneurial and reminds us of the man in Matthew 25:14-30, where the rich man delegates the management of his wealth to his servants and would expect a return on his investment. Maas Viv would regularly take a chance and buy cattle, such as cows, and would delegate the care of the cattle to young men and would expect them to return a profit in the future. They would keep it for a while and when the cattle was sold, Maas Viv would collect his principal and the profit would be a 50/50 split.
One of his favorite hobbies was playing dominoes with his children and later with his grandchildren and somehow, he would always be the winner. He enjoyed playing his harmonica, whistling, singing and dancing as he rested on the verandah after a hard day's work. Vivian was a farmer and butcher, and he did this with passion and purpose. He was always striving to make the world a better place, whether it was through his work, or through his involvement in the community.
Brother Vivian Jones was a devoted child of God and was a member of Trinity Pentecostal Church of God in Jamaica and Paterson, NJ.
On Saturday, March 23, 2024, "Maas Viv" as he was affectionately called, departed this life peacefully at the Joseph Masiello Residence in Paterson, NJ, just six days short of celebrating his 93rd birthday.
Vivian is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Celia Jones, children: Glenda Blair (Albert); Dale jones (Maureen); Lionel. Jones (Pauline) and Alludia Grant (Marlon); seven grandchildren: Elthony Weathers, Kashema Blair, Kimberley Francis, Danni Thaw, Justin Jones, Albert "Geo" Blair and D'Andre Jones. Three brothers Courtney Jones (Jamaica), George Jones (London) and Cuthbert Jones (London), and one sister, Cissie Duke (London); nieces, nephews, and a host of other family and friends. Our dad had a strong personality and a high tolerance for pain and when in pain he would often say "LAW SAH", it is "earth runnings". We wish to express thanks to Dr. Robert Rizzo for caring for dad for over 2 decades, Dr. Christiansen, Dr. Howard Benn, staff on R3S and R4S of St. Joseph Hospital and the St. Joseph Hospice service. Dad, your love will forever guide us, and your memory will always bring us comfort. Though you may be gone, your spirit will live on in the countless lives you touched. Rest in peace, Dad. You will be deeply missed, but your legacy will never be forgotten.