Marcus DeWayne Jones,

96 of Thornton died Wednesday January 31, 2024 at his home. Born November 22, 1927 in Calhoun County, he was the son of the late James Joseph Jones and Allie Velma Evans Jones.

Marcus was a member of First Southern Baptist Church of Bearden, where he served as Deacon Chairman and Sunday School teacher. He was one of eleven organizers at Trinity Baptist Church of West Memphis, where he served as deacon. He was retired from Delta Chemical where he was Vice-President from 1953 to 1997. He was a US Navy Veteran of World War II, serving on the USS Tarawa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Phyllis Smartt, grandson, James Josiah Jones, three sisters, Margaret Alene Jones West, Winnie Janette Jones Shaver, and Emily Ruth Jones Gaddy.

He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Ola Jones of Thornton; his children, Shelia Jones Brewer (Buddy) of Fordyce, Deborah Jones Hillyard (Mike) of Memphis, TN, Marcus A. Jones (Vicky) of Thornton, James Joseph Jones, II (Elizabeth) of Thornton; thirteen grandchildren, Kelli Fly, Heath O’Connor, Adam Smartt, Maegen Smartt, Chad Lynch, Dr. Logan B. Lackey II, Justin Lackey, Amie Shumaker, Ashley West, Jaclyn Kelley, Jacob Jones, Sophia Jones, Sarah Jones; and a host of greatgrandchildren and greatgreat grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Benton Funeral Home at Fordyce. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday at the Benton Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Brian Caldwell and Rev. Jimmy Owens officiating. Burial will follow at Calaway Cemetery. Arrangements are by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome. net.