Anthony Lamar Jones

Anthony Lamar Jones, a force of strength, resilience, and determination, burst onto the scene of life on Friday, October 7, 1960, through the union of Mr. Joe Louis Jones and Bishop Frankie Jane Alexander at Kansas University Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas. He was the sixth of eight siblings. He was preceded in death by both parents, one brother John Jones as well as his stepbrothers Jeffrey “Bay” Murphy and Michael “Mike” Murphy.

Brother Anthony Jones matriculated through the Kansas City Public School system, attending various schools including Horace Mann School and Henry C. Kumpf Elementary School during his formative years. He later attended Paseo High School and DeLaSalle School to complete his high school education. In 1979, during his community college years, Anthony discovered that Vonacia “Vonnie” Johnson was expecting a baby girl, Catriese Johnson, and that he would become a father. The news shifted his life dramatically, and he realized he could no longer afford to continue making the troublesome mistakes that had marked his earlier years.

Despite his best efforts, Anthony would spend time away from family and friends within the correctional system. While he never desired imprisonment, he later credited that season as the launching pad that transformed his life and anchored his future efforts. That experience ignited within him a deep passion and mission to help other men stabilize their lives after incarceration. During that time, his relationship with God grew tremendously, and he began seeking Him more deeply. Anthony knew God’s hand rested upon his life and vowed to live differently once granted another opportunity at freedom. He accepted Christ and knew he had a greater mission to fulfill. He made good on his promise to do better.

In 1991, he married Joyce E. Cole, and to that union one beautiful daughter was born, Joycelyn Andrelle Jones. Within a few short years after regaining his freedom, Anthony had established a family and returned to school at the University of Missouri Kansas City, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology in 1994. It was a shining personal achievement that opened many doors within the corporate and nonprofit sectors.

Anthony went on to hold several destiny affirming positions, including Case Manager with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City, Resource Manager and Trainer for the Connections to Success organization, and Case Manager for Kansas City Community Center efforts assisting clients with transitioning and assimilating back into society following incarceration.

Vocationally, Anthony pursued work that aligned with his deepest passion and ministry: helping others successfully reenter society after incarceration. He was passionate about this mission and became a powerful advocate and champion for countless men and women seeking a second chance.

Anthony’s life was marked by his remarkable ability to rebound from earlier troubles and difficult choices, becoming instead a beacon of hope and light to countless people who had lost their way. His life became filled with academic achievements, awards, and accomplishments that stood as proof of the powerful pivot he made toward becoming a productive member of society, a servant within the community, and a faithful contributor within various churches. His unmistakable zeal, energy, enthusiasm, and love for people touched lives throughout this country.

Now there remains a great remnant to celebrate and cherish his life: his daughters, Catriese M. Johnson (Panama City Beach, FL) and Joycelyn A. Jones (Houston, TX); brothers Joe L. Jones Jr., Jessie L. Jones (Tammy), and Willie E. Jones; sisters Leedell J. Lowe (Richard), Maria D. Hubley (Walter), and LaVerne J. Divers; all of Kansas City, MO; step mother Joe Willie Jones; step sister Jennifer “Jan” Johnson; step brothers Gary Murphy and John “Jail” Murphy, all of Pittsburg, KS; special friends, Mr. Gregory Minor, Mr. Stanley Minor, Mr. Stan Frenchie, Ms. Vickie Sullivan and Mr. Ron Hunt along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and life long, time-honored friendships who will forever cherish their time with their beloved Anthony Lamar Jones.