Lester Jones was born July 8, 1939, in Guntown, Mississippi unto the late Fount and
Beatrice Jones. On July 10, 2025, he earned his long white robe and departed this earthly
home peacefully bound for his Heavenly home. Surely, he told of how he made it over!
He was preceded in death by his son, Vic C. Gardner, his father and mother, Fount and
Beatrice Jones and siblings, Luther Jones, Lonnie Jones, Lathan Jones, Catherine Betts
and Essie Mae McBride. What a reunion that must have been!
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Esther Jones; daughters Twyla Jones and Erocs
Watts; daughter-in-law, Becky Gardner; his grandchildren Chris Watts, Jr. and Breanna
(Malachi) Davis both cherish memories of a loving grandfather that he was. He was uncle
Lester and cousin Lester to a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. A caring friend and a
mentor Lester was for many. He especially loved to proudly show everyone he met pictures
of his family that he had on his cell phone. They were his pride and joy!
He was a faithful member of Trinity C.M.E. Church in Guntown, Mississippi and served
as Sunday school superintendent and steward. On any given Sunday he could be heard
praying a prayer or playing one of his favorite guitars of which he had many "favorites".
Lester was always eager to help the next and upcoming musician whether it was showing
them how to make his unique chords or how to tune a guitar. Lester often would share his
talents by accompanying many area choirs and soloists. Some even called him "the king
of strings". In earlier years he was a member of the gospel quartet "The Sensational
Starlights" and in more recent years he was a musician for The Anointed Voices. He loved
playing along with his son Vic and they were one dynamic duo. On some occasions he
would sing as well. Most of all he loved God, his family, his church and his community to
which he was always willing to be of service.
Jesus prepares us all for such a day as this in John 14: 1-3 "Let not your hearts be troubled.
Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not
so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a
place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be
also." Some may miss the humble sincere prayers he prayed, some may miss those soulful
tunes he played, others may even miss just a smile and a kind word of encouragement he
gave. He will be deeply missed by all but always remember and take comfort in knowing
what Lester Jones sang so often: Jesus is right there all the time!