Benjamin Jones

Benjamin Jones, age 90, of Columbus, Ohio was called home to be with the Lord on January 31, 2025, surrounded by loved ones and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Born July 2, 1934, to Anthony and Bessie Mae Jones of Thomaston, Georgia. Preceded in death by his mother and father, sisters, Ruth Ester (John) Owens, Doris Aimery, brothers Fred Douglas (Evelyn) Jones, and Milton Jones, and daughter Carmen Palm.

He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and cousin, a loyal friend and faithful servant. Left to cherish his memory are his children Vincent Jones, Victor Jones, Stephanie Robinson, Bilal (Angela) Jones, and bonus daughter Denise Scott. Grandchildren Vincent Jones Jr., Keonte' Palm, Taia Crews, Thalia Crews, Trent Crews, Bri'anna Jones, Karia Jones, and Christopher (Lisa) Morgan,  sister, Barbara Jean Easley, friend and bonus brother of more than 70 years Ralph Ridley, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, dear friends, former coworkers, and church family.

His love for the Lord and service to humanity became his philosophy for life. He proudly served on the Usher Board, Greeter and Hospitality Committee ministries at New Covenant Believers Church. He was a passionate member of the Men's Monday Morning Prayer Group, often hosting and offering his culinary hospitality.

He enjoyed the performing arts, appearing on stage at various theaters and church locations throughout central Ohio for many years. He took pride in his recurring role as the disciple, Andrew in the performance of Lord's Supper asking Jesus who would betray Him, proclaiming "Is it I, Lord"; which he proudly displayed as his car vanity license plate. Other notable acting roles included features in a Christmas Carol, One Mo' Christmas, Trip to God's House and Everybody's Got a But theater performances.

He was proud of his culinary career, which spanned decades, but more important to him was using that platform and his achievements to make a difference. Chief among them was his pride in attaining the success of becoming the General Manager of the Five Star restaurant, The Claremont, a downtown establishment where people of color were once refused service. He faced many career challenges and overcame them all by the grace of God.

He was featured numerous times in the Columbus Dispatch for his distinguished culinary achievements, including becoming the only minority chef to cater the Home and Garden show. He was featured in the Real Men Cook charity taste testing competition; an annual event held on Father's Day to uplift real men cooking regionally to make a difference in their communities. He participated annually in Columbus to support the FACCES organization and with his son, Bilal, in the legendary competition in Chicago where the event originated.

His career included broad travel catering and significant events including the NASCAR races in Florida, Pennsylvania, Detroit and more; and his family loved and appreciated his display of fruit and vegetable artistry at holiday and family reunions.

His gift of storytelling was deeply rooted and unforgettable, he was often asked to speak at local engagements where his achievements did not highlight his career status or fortune but always celebrated his love of making a difference by asking, "What do you make", not monetarily, but what difference do you make in the lives of others.

He was a devoted member of the New Covenant Believers Church for more than 30 years, serving faithfully on the Usher and Greater Boards as well as Hospitality and the Men's Fellowship Ministry. Dependable and ever present, he donated his time and treasure to the needs of others.

He left a legacy of faith and family. He was deeply loved. He will be missed every day, but we rejoice knowing he will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.