Martin W. Jones

MARTIN WILLIAM JONES passed peacefully from this life on the evening of October 18, 2016 after a gradual decline in health. He was surrounded and supported by his loving family. He was born to Charles and Bernice Jones on April 24, 1948 in Baltimore, Maryland. Martin was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System. He graduated from Southern High School in 1966. After graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was honorably discharged in January 1971.

Upon leaving the military, Martin worked for Union Trust Bank and the Social Security Administration. He enjoyed a successful career at Koppers Company until its disbanding. He then joined the WR Grace family in 1987 where he worked until his retirement in 2016.

Martin met and married Virginia Booker in 1976 and from that union, his daughter Ericka was born. He later met and married Michelle Whitney in 1996 and from that union, his son Jason was born. Martin cherished and adored his children.

Martin, affectionately known to his family and friends as "Billy" was a jovial person. To know him was to love him. He was very athletic in his youth, playing tennis, bowling and playing softball on a regular basis. He was especially fond of tennis. Martin was an avid reader and walking encyclopedia. He often competed  with his sister-in-law, Shelia in Jeopardy. Martin loved watching and participating in "Are you smarter than a fifth grader" with his daughter Ericka. He always seemed to know all the advanced answers.

Martin was never materialistic. He lived a simply life. So long as his loved ones were happy, he was happy. Martin was loyal to his Baltimore Sports Teams. He truly LOVED the Ravens. He enjoyed his last Monday Night Football game with his nephew Roger only hours before his passing. As a child Martin would accompany his brother Roger, Sr. on his paper route and often was mistaken for a little girl because of his long beautiful hair, so he stopped going. We always knew when there was a cookout because he'd be wearing his infamous T-shirt that says, "I Am Only Here for The Beer".

Martin was a good listener you could certainly trust. He also kept his share of secrets, as he never revealed his age to his WR Grace family, despite their many attempts to find out-so now, you all know!

Martin leaves to mourn: two children, Ericka and Jason; one granddaughter, Gernya; son-in-law, Gerard; who he valued as a friend and loved as a son, step children, Katrina and Nathaniel Booker, Sr; three brothers, Richard, Reggie and Roger Sr.; one sister, Carolyn; three sisters-in-law, Charlotte, Bernadine and Deborah; twelve nieces and nephews and a host of cousins, relatives and friends.

His devoted wife, Michelle preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death were his parents, Charles and Bernice; three siblings, Gilbert, Marlene and Gerard.