Willie A. Jones passed away on April 20, 2023. Memorial Service will be held, Thursday, April 27, 2023, starting at 3:00 pm., at Sommerville Funeral Services, 1695 Diagonal Road.

Willie Albert Jones was born on March 6, 1936 in Wetumpka, Alabama to Beulah Lee Austin. At an early age, his family relocated to Akron Ohio.

After serving in the military, Willie was employed in resturant services and landscaping at various venues, including the Fairlawn Country Club. Upon retiring from Summit County Metro Parks, his love of horticulture and the outdoors kept him busy cultivating and sculpturing his yard, garden and indoor plants.

Abstract painting was also an exceptional talent and hobby. Over the years, Willie created a collection of astounding, interesting, and unusual pieces of art. Recently, he was honored to have his work exhibited at Street Craftery and Gallery and featured in the Engage Downtown Window Project. In addition, Willie was an extraordinary chef. Family and friends continually doted over his famous barbecue and other imaginative dishes.

Family and friends were polled for a few words and thoughts to recognize a few of his many wonderful attributes. Willie was artistic, caring, fantastic, funny, gifted, great cook, had a green thumb, incredible, a man of a few words, original, mysterious, provider, protector, sensitive, talented, a vessel, wise and absolutely wonderful with children.

Willie closed his eyes eternally on April 20, surrounded in the love of his closest family. He was preceded in death by his parents, his devoted wife Christina of 63 years who passed 5 months ago, and 14 siblings. Willie will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his loving, compassionate daughter Nadijah Jones (Robert Ford Jr.), sister Jean Sharon Jones (Winston Sanders), nephew/brother-in-law, Archie Parker (Sara), “special nephew” Allen Thomas and an abundance of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends who all had a special place in his heart.