The Beloved Community Center Mourns the Loss of Board Member Willie Mason Jones, Jr.

IN MEMORIAM – The Beloved Community Center Mourns the Loss of Board Member Willie Mason Jones, Jr.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our cherished board member, Willie Mason Jones, Jr., who was laid to rest on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Willie, born on May 22, 1952, in Richmond, VA, dedicated his life to justice, equality, and community development. His journey began in the segregated South and led him to an elite prep school in New Hampshire and later to Brown University, where he co-founded the Organization of United African People. His activism extended into his professional life as a union organizer and continued through his impactful work in affordable housing and community development. Willie’s efforts in saving Smithville, a historic African American town located near Charlotte, from gentrification and displacement as the inaugural Executive Director of the Smithville Community Coalition left a lasting legacy.

Willie’s passion for service and his commitment to mentoring the next generation earned him numerous accolades, including the Mayor’s Award of Excellence and Habitat for Humanity’s Lifetime Achievement Award. His love for his family, deep sense of justice, and profound impact on everyone he met will be remembered fondly. Willie leaves behind his beloved wife of 50 years, Pam, his children Larissa, Derik, and Demakis, granddaughter Leilani, and a host of relatives, friends, and community members. His warmth, wisdom, and dedication will be deeply missed, and his memory will forever be a blessing to all who knew him.

In memory of their beloved husband and father, the Jones Family has requested tax-deductible donations in memory of Willie to one or more of the following organizations, to which Willie dedicated so much of his time:

Beloved Community Center:
PO Box #875, Greensboro NC 27402
Web: https://belovedcommunitycenter.org/

Smithville Community Coalition:
PO Box #1206, Cornelius NC 28031
Web: https://smithvillecommunitycoalition.org

Unity in Community North Mecklenburg
99 Jackson Street, Davidson NC 28036
Web: https://uic-nmeck.org/

Official Obituary: https://www.whbryant.com/obituary/Willie-JonesJr