Calanda Jones

With profound love and deep sorrow, we celebrate the life and legacy of Calanda Isadore Jones Sr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and faithful servant of God, who lived a full and blessed life for 84 years.

Calanda was born on September 22, 1940, in Pickens, Mississippi, to the late Marshal and Martha Jones. He was the sixth of sixteen children, raised in a large, loving family rooted in faith and resilience.

In 1962, Calanda relocated to New York, where he began building a life grounded in purpose, discipline, and love. In 1964, he met the love of his life, Betty Jones. Their union, solidified in marriage in 1980, was blessed with 46 years of unwavering love, partnership, and devotion.

From this union came their cherished children: Venetta Lynn Jones and Calanda Jones Jr. He also lovingly embraced his bonus children: Loretta Williams, Luciana Johnson, and Jason Johnson, raising them with the same care, guidance, and unconditional love.

A man of strong faith and quiet strength, Calanda served faithfully as a Deacon at Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church in Huntington, New York. After retiring in 2007 and relocating to Warner Robins, Georgia, he continued his spiritual service as a Deacon at Trinity Baptist Church, remaining a pillar of faith and leadership.

Calanda dedicated 36 years of honorable service as a Supervisor at the VA Hospital in Northport, New York. He was known for his integrity, work ethic, and leadership. Outside of his professional life, he served as a Boy Scout Master, mentoring and guiding young men and leaving a lasting impact on their lives.

He was a proud and loving grandfather and great-grandfather whose legacy continues through generations. He leaves to cherish his memory his grandchildren: Zakeya Jones of Queens, New York; Monaye Jones Rains of Warner Robins, Georgia; Skyajah Rains of Huntington, New York; Darit Jackson Rains of Huntington, New York; Dnaysia Jackson Rains of Warner Robins, Georgia; Adjoni Jones; Casheen Jones; along with a host of other loving grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Daishun Jones Rains.