Needham Jones

Needham Robert Jones Sr., transitioned to his heavenly home on October 10, 2017 after a lengthy illness. Needham was born to Nathaniel and Mamie Jones on May 7, 1919, in Jasper County, MS. He graduated from Oak Park High School in Laurel, MS, and entered military service while a freshman at Alcorn A&M College. He served honorably with the US Army Air Corps for which service he earned the Congressional Gold Medal in 2013. While attending Alcorn A&M, Needham was a chartering member of the Gamma Pi chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi in 1949. After graduating from Alcorn A&M college in 1949 with a degree in Agriculture, he received a Masters Degree at Tuskegee Institute and a Specialists degree at the University of Oklahoma. He was a lifelong resident and educator in Stone County, MS until his retirement. Needham is preceded in death by his mother and father, brother, Nathaniel, and wife, Myrtle L. Jones and son, Dennis. He leaves to mourn in his passing his children: Deborah (Vincent) Chambers of Hattiesburg, MS, Jerry (Ardis) Jones of Magnolia, MS, Carolynne (Greg) Hinton of Hattiesburg, MS, Marilynne Hardges of Hattiesburg, MS, Needham, Jr. (June) Jones of Saucier, MS, Nathan (Cecilia) Jones of Petal, MS and sister-in-law, Roxanna Jones; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, family, and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the Needham Jones Scholarship Fund at The Greater Pine Belt Community Foundation and may be mailed to 1501 Adeline Street, Suite 1. Hattiesburg, MS, 39401. Visitation will be Sunday, October 15, 2017, at Forrest Funeral Home 5-7pm. An additional visitation will be held on Monday, October 16, 2017, at H A Brown Memorial United Methodist Church at 10am with the service to follow at 11am. Interment will be at South Hill Cemetery.