Clifton Lee Jones

Clifton Lee Jones, age 72, passed away on March 12th, 2023 at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX nearly 9 months after a surprising diagnosis and a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Clifton was born on July 20, 1950, in Dallas, Texas to C.L. Jones, Sr. and Juanita Rodgers Jones. He accepted Christ at an early age through his membership at the Goodwill Baptist Church and later converted to Catholicism where he was an active believer until his death. Clifton graduated from South Oak Cliff High School in 1968 and was a proud member of the inaugural class of the Upward Bound Program (a college readiness organization that provides academic support to high school students so that they may successfully obtain a college degree). After beginning at Southern Methodist University (SMU), he went on to further his higher education at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA).

It was at UTA that Clifton met Alicia Shepard and married on August 18, 1984. Their 21-year union was blessed with two children, Brian, and Alana Jones. Clifton was a dedicated father, never missing a track meet, basketball game, or the opportunity for a fun family vacation. He began his career at the United States Postal Service at the young age of 26 where he retired 42 years later after a long dutiful career as a civil servant. His work ethic was legendary, venturing into several businesses and working door-to-door sales long after his retirement.

Never seen without his warm smile, “Cliff” was perpetually the life of the party. He was a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., had a passion for cars, and had a keen eye for fashion. He enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life, not limited to boating, fishing, and bowling, and was an avid pool (billiards) player. He loved to travel frequently spending time at his timeshare properties scattered all over the U.S. including Florida, Lake Tahoe, Lake Conroe, and New Orleans. A highlight of his retirement was his time as an active member of the DFW Swing Dance community; particularly that of the Swingology Dance Company led by dance instructor Derrick “Big Smooth” Farrow.

Clifton will truly be missed by all those fortunate to know and love him. We know his mother, Juanita Jones, was waiting to welcome him at the Gates of Heaven as he passed on the very same day she did, 8 years ago.

Clifton was preceded in death by his father: C.L. Jones, Sr.; mother: Juanita Rodgers Jones; and sister: Miriam Jones.

Clifton is survived by his children: Brian and Alana Jones; godson: Cameron Brown (Franceska Brown); aunts: Bertha Brown, Mercedes Rodgers; uncles: Elvin Jones, James Jones, Raydale Jones, and Clifford Jones; brothers: Alvis (Ray) Jones (Lindice Collier), Bernard Jones, C.L. Jones Jr; sister: Janice Jones (Ervin Rand), nieces: Collette Jones, Alveta Barrell, Danritria McNeil, and Shonitria Jones; nephews: Kendrick Tilley (Camishia Tilley), Cedric Jones (Priscilla Jones), and a host of grand-nieces, grand-nephews, cousins and special loved ones including: Joyce Hodges, Gina Brown, Briar Brown and Baylor Brown.

A Memorial Service will be held at Wade Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, TX 76013 on Friday, March 24th 2023 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

The Funeral Mass/Service will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 9643 Ferndale Rd Dallas, TX 75238 on Saturday, March 25th, 2023 at 1:00 pm. The Interment will be held immediately after at Laurel Land Memorial Park in Dallas, TX.