Obituary of Henry J. Jones

Henry (Hank) Jones Sr.

Henry (Hank) Jones Sr., born in Mt Bayou, MS on Feb 16, 1970, passed away Saturday Feb 8, 2025, at his home, in his own bed, with his lifelong love beside him, when he slipped away into eternal peace. 

He leaves behind six children and three stepchildren, including Contrell Parker Sr. (Jessica Desius) of Lyons, New York, Turell Parker Sr. of Rochester, NY, Henry (Chad) Jones Jr. and Stephon (Step) Jones of Haines City, FL, Julius (Jay) Jones and Jacqueline (Jacki) Jones of Fort Valley, Georgia. Stepchildren; Chastity Miller (Faysal) of Montgomery, AL, Katherine Miller of Red Level, AL, and Nathan Miller of Houston, TX.

​He leaves behind 14 grandchildren: Skyla Dorcinvil, Hayden Jones, Jayden Jones, and Kameron Jones of Fort Valley, GA, Saniyah Jones and Shajai Jones of Haines City, FL, Contrell Parker Jr., Car’Mella Parker, Cartell Parker, Carzire Parker, and Chy’Relle Parker of Lyons, NY, Turell Parker Jr. of Newark, NY, and Kamri Parker and Kobe Parker of Sodus, NY. 

He was predeceased by his father Roy Jones of Detroit, MI, and his sister Cassandra (Sis) Jones Hilaire of Wolcott, NY. 

He leaves behind his mother Elnora (Manuel) Jones, two brothers Terry Manuel and Kevin (Buck) Manuel and one sister Shalamar Manuel, all of Rochester, NY.

In addition, he leaves behind multiple nieces and nephews, as well as a great niece and nephew. 

His fiancé and other half of his heart, Gina Gardner Miller (Mamma) was also left behind.

​Henry was born in Mt. Bayou, MS, but grew up in Wayne County, NY. He was a natural athlete and enjoyed playing basketball until his health no longer allowed it. He loved spending time with his kids and grandchildren and looked at his grandchildren as a second chance to make up for his shortcomings he’d made with his own children. He'd struggled with drug addiction during most of his adult years but was able to quit successfully 8 years before he passed. 

He spent the last 12 years of his life enjoying the simple pleasures life has to offer and learning that the most valuable gifts in life don’t come with price tags. His love and pride for his many grandchildren was known by everyone he knew. He constantly bragged about each one to friends and family.

​He will be deeply missed by many, but most especially by his lifelong love, Gina Gardner Miller (Mamma), who he met in 1984, when they were both 14 years old. That magic that sparked that day continues to burn strong 41 years later. 

To say he will be missed seems so insignificant of a word to ever begin to describe the heart wrenching loss and absolute giant hole his passing has left behind. This pain and loss have only the comfort of knowing that he is no longer in pain and is at peace.

​Henry’s memorial will be held Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Norton Funeral Home in Sodus, NY, with visitation hours from 12:30-1:00 PM, and a memorial service following from 1:00-1:45 PM done by Pastor Ernest Walker, his childhood friend.