Vira Bennie Jones

Life and Legacy of Vira Bennie Jones

Vira Bennie Jones was born August 8, 1937, to Earnest Jones Sr. and Ella Maty Ervin in Gilmer, Texas. Bennie was truly a devoted, caring, and loving son, husband, father, and friend. Bennie grew up in Tahoka, Texas with his mother and sister; but later moved to Lubbock, attended elementary at Ella Iles, and graduated from Dunbar High School. He went on to further his education at Bishop College, majoring in Social Science and before finishing he was enlisted in the United States Army, serving in the infantry.

Bennie was a devoted Christian and loved serving God at Carter Chapel C.M.E. Methodist Church for many years where he was a choir member and served on the Steward Board while also serving on the Board of Trustees. He loved Sunday School while also teaching. He loved going to Wednesday night service and studying the Bible.

Bennie had a lot of hobbies where his favorite was listening to Jazz; he also loved doing crossword puzzles, reading the word of God; spending time, and being with his family. Family was everything to him. Bennie enjoyed get togethers, he loved playing Dominos, Checkers and playing cards- Bidwiz. You could find him and his wife on Saturday nights with his friends and having lots of fun playing card games.

He also loved traveling as much and as often as he could with his wife and daughter, especially during the bowling tournaments and vacation time.

Bennie had a smile larger than life itself and a loving heart the size of Texas; he never met a stranger and was always willing and ready to lend a helping hand to anyone he could help.

Bennie was employed with T.N.M & O Bus Line for 20 years while working for Instacheck System for 4 years and later making deliveries with Amfac Pharmaceutical Company for 5 years. His most pride and joy had been employed with Citi Bus for 22 years until his health started to decline.

He was very well known and loved. He drove on the Texas Tech Campus for 3 Years and was promoted to City Route Driver; he loved serving his passengers and making sure that they were on time to their destination and helping them to make good choices in their life.

Bennie is preceded in death by his parents, Earnest Jones Sr. and Ella Mary Ervin; sisters, Velma Anderson and Olamae Jones Miller and one-half brother.

Bennie leaves to cherish his love and his memories Thank God; his Wife of 62 years, Mildred Jones; daughter, Benna Jones; two brothers, Hebert Jones (Neil) and Earnest Jones Jr. (Linda); three sisters, Dorthy Davis, Helen Jones, all of Tyler, Texas, and Connie Austin (Empy) of Dallas, Texas; and a  host of cousins, nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Thank you God, for our second love: You first and him second. We love and miss you.