Reverend Ervel Raymond Jones was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. He left this world suddenly on May 7, 2022, at the age of 81.
Ervel was born in his home in Welch, W.Va., on September 22, 1940, to Raymond and Thelma Jones. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Janice Wilson Jones; their daughter and son-in-law Janna and Barry Jones; their son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Jeannie Jones; his sister, Barbara Shutt; grandchildren Caitlin (Mat), Andrew (Sarah) and Ashley (fiancé Michael); along with five great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, his daughter Lisa Reneé Jones, and a grandchild.
Ervel was ordained into the ministry in 1969 at Startown First Baptist Church. His ministry led him to pastor six churches: Fairbrook Baptist Church in Hickory, Macedonia Baptist Church in Taylorsville, Midway Baptist Church in West Jefferson, Rocky Hill Baptist Church in Statesville, Cochran Street Baptist Church in Statesville as interim pastor, and New Hope Baptist Church in Statesville. He also served as Chaplain for the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office and as a Funeral Service Assistant for Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home.
Ervel graduated from Welch High School, Welch, W.Va., in 1958. He graduated from Fruitland Baptist Bible Institute, Hendersonville, N.C., in 1975. He also graduated from West Lenoir Baptist School of Ministry in Lenoir, N.C., in March 1990 with a Bachelor of Divinity in Christian Education.
Ervel touched many lives through his ministries over the years. He had a passion for visiting his church members and anyone in need, was an avid gardener, and a dedicated family man who continued to support his community even after retirement.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held Saturday May 21, at 1 p.m. at Western Avenue Baptist Church, 1206 Museum Road in Statesville, where he was a member. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, Samaritan’s Purse, or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Rev. Jones and his family.
Loving thoughts and prayers for the entire family. I remember this dear man in the halls and volunteer desks at Iredell Memorial Hospital. So sorry for your loss.
Dear Jones family, we are so sorry to hear about Ervel. He was a good man who will be missed! You are in our prayers and may God give you peace and comfort in the coming days. Bobby, Susan, James, & “Liz” Davidson ( WABC)
Revel was a wonderful man, a good friend and a devoted witness of Jesus! He will be missed!! Blessings to Jan and all his family!!
Sending up prayers for Jan and the family that God will grant you peace and comfort in this time of sorrow and healing. Ervel was a true Christian giving glory to God and witness to Jesus Christ our Lord.
Dear Jan, Janna & Jeff,
Please accept my sincerest sympathy for the loss of your husband & Dad! Our family loved Ervel with all of our hearts during his years as pastor at Midway Baptist. I can’t count the many times that we sat with Jan & Ervel in Mom & Dad’s home on Mt. Jefferson and had the most marvelous joyful time. He led both of my parents’ funeral services. May God bless & comfort you as only our Creator is able!
Please remember our family to Jan!
Ginny Becker
Birmingham, AL
Ned & Edith Childress’ Family
Dear Jan and family: Loved you, Ervel, Barbara and all your family. So thankful GOD let our path cross in this world. You are in my prayers at this time. GOD will supply your needs. Love to all of you.
Dear Jones Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I met Ervel at Western Avenue Baptist Church when I took a Wednesday evening class with him. Wow, what a wise man. He knew the scriptures and helped me better understand some “Baptist theology”, since I had been a Presbyterian for a number of years prior. He was such a good man. I enjoyed each time I was fortunate enough to spend with him. May God Bless and keep you. David Benbow
Dear Jan and family: We want you to know that we are praying for comfort and peace during this time of sadness. Ervil was a dear friend to us and to all he met. We shared our trust in our Lord and will be missed. God Bless.
Harold and Cathy McLain
Praying for the family. God will comfort during your time of grief.
Karen Lewis