Minister Michael Jones

Minister Michael “Mike” Jones was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on December 16, 1961 to the late Jeff Young and Addie (Godfrey) Richardson. The Lord transitioned him home from this earthly life on September 20, 2020 at the age of 58, while preaching the Word of God. 

Mike was introduced to the Lord as a small child while attending St. Mark AME Zion Church. There he recalled hearing the thunderous sermons from Rev. Tecumseh Graham.  

Mike grew up in the Northside neighborhood with his mother, stepfather, Sylvester Richardson, and sister. He had a very humorous spirit, always loving to joke and make others laugh.

As a young man, Mike was an athlete. His love of sports carried through his high school years where he attended Aiken High School. He enjoyed playing football, basketball, and baseball. 

After graduation, he attended The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. There he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Marketing in 1987.  During this time, he met his Queen, Shirley Smith.

After an extended courtship, they were married on January 30, 1988. Their union produced four beautiful children: three daughters and one son.

A relocation with his employer, State Farm Insurance Co. led the family to Mansfield, OH in 1990. Mike and Shirley raised their four young children attending St. Peter’s Catholic Church and school. During this time, Mike was a very involved parent and community member. He served as a volunteer basketball coach for each of his four children. He also volunteered at Bingo and was a member of the school board.

God began to refocus Mike spiritually in 2003. He and his family began attending The New Community Temple COGIC under the leadership of Pastor Henry J. Bradley Jr.  This is where God transformed him and called him into the ministry. Michael served as a Deacon, Finance Director and Vice President of the Bus Committee.

Mike and Shirley relocated back to Columbus in 2009. He loved working in sales and enjoyed his position in pharmaceutical sales with Amber Pharmacy.

While in Columbus they continued to commute to The New Community Temple COGIC for a couple of years.

The Lord led them to Unity Temple COGIC in 2013, under the leadership of Pastor Jerry Revish and Co-Pastor Danielle Revish. At Unity Temple, he was a member of the Choir, Deacon Board, and President of the Men’s Department. He was also a Bible Band/Sunday School Teacher.

While serving the Lord in these roles, he earned his Master of Ministry Degree from Mount Vernon Nazarene University – New Albany. Pastor Jerry Revish appointed him as a Minister shortly after.

Minister Mike loved to serve his Pastor, Co-Pastor, and church family. He also loved the Word of God and enjoyed any opportunity to witness. He was very excited about the strong message God placed in his heart. He planned to deliver the Word on Men’s Day. His referenced scripture was, Isaiah 1: 17-21, with a subject title “For A Time Such as This”.

Michael was proceeded in death by his parents, stepfather, and brother, Craig Young.

Minister Mike is survived by his wife, Shirley of 32 years; children, Sharron Jones (Maurice); LaShonda (Antoine) Franklin; Shanae Jones (Christopher); Michael Jones (Jessica); Sister, Kimberly (Dariea) King; Sister-in-law, Michele Smith; Seven Grandchildren; Mariah, Morgan, Malachi, MaLeah, Marlee, Myles, and Madelyn; Nieces, Faith and Neyonna; Nephews, Coolidge, and Michael; Special childhood friends, Michael Brown of Cincinnati, OH, and Will Jenkins of Columbus, OH; A host of precious Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces, and Friends. He left an enduring legacy for all those who loved him and will be cherished by them forever.
Visitation 10:00 AM and Funeral Service 11:00 AM Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at Unity Temple COGIC, 52 Reeb Ave.

Masks and Social Distancing Mandatory.

Interment at Glen Rest Memorial Estates.