"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him." 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

Mr. Clarence Eugene Jones, Jr. affectionately known as CJ, 40, of Petersburg, Virginia, entered into eternal rest on May 3, 2026. Born June 22, 1985, he was a graduate of Brunswick Senior High School and a proud graduate of Virginia State University. Hail State!

An avid Dallas Cowboys fan, CJ possessed a larger-than-life presence and a contagious smile that could light up any room. He truly never met a stranger, offering peace, comfort, and strength to everyone he encountered. Calm in difficult moments, warm in his words, and kind in his heart, he was the definition of a gentle giant—loyal, compassionate, and hardworking. Though he was a man of great strength, he carried a gentle spirit that made others feel safe and cared for. CJ deeply loved his family and worked tirelessly to provide for and protect them. His natural affection for children led him to become a beloved bonus dad, father figure, and mentor to many. He was remarkably dependable, always putting others before himself without expecting anything in return. His true strength was found not only in his hands but in his heart.

Clarence leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Myela Jones; and his four children, Emery, Skylynn, Kash, and Londyn Jones. He is survived by his parents, Clarence Eugene Jones, Sr. of Rawlings, Virginia, and Keturah Brackett Jones; and his grandmother, Bertha Mae Jackson Brackett of Rawlings, Virginia.

He is also survived by his uncles, James Jerry Brackett, Jr. (Godfather) of Rawlings, Virginia; Grover Jones of Augusta, Georgia; and great uncle, Mr. Andrew Jackson of Rawlings, Virginia, great aunts, Ida Edward (Booker) of Petersburg, Virginia, Laura Collins of Baltimore, Maryland, and Louise King Pegram of Petersburg, Virginia. He also leaves behind his aunts, Cynthia Brackett (Chance), Regina Ripley (Solomon) of Rawlings, Virinia, Gloria James and Carolyn Winfield (Ashiru) of Petersburg, Virginia, Nancy Jones of Dewitt, Virginia, Henrietta Jones of Amelia, Virginia, and Belinda Jones of the Republic of Ghana.

Clarence was preceded in death by his sister, Najiyyah Jones; his grandparents, Eddie Clifton Jones, Sr., Carrie Ann Avery Jones, and James Jerry Brackett, Sr.; and his uncles, Eddie Jones, Jr., Winston Jones, and Freddie Jones.

Also mourning his loss are his mother-in-love, Tara Moore; grandparents-in-love, Paulette King and James Moore; uncle and aunt-in-love, Eric and Shovonna Sykes; sister-in-love, Jacque Woods; a niece that held a special place in his heart, Lamarah Jackson and his mentee Eric Sykes II. Clarence is also survived by his godmother, Pastor Felecia C. Fisher of Petersburg, VA; godsister, Tomeka C. Morgan; godbrother, Preston Lee Morgan III; and a host of cousins and devoted friends.

Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the Big Bethel Baptist Church, McKenney, VA, the Rev. Alexander Williams, Pastor and Rev. James Geter, eulogist. The interment to follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/5941421?fl=so&fe=fs