Benjamin J. Jones

A Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Benjamin J. Jones will be held Saturday, September 2, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel of Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home located at 334 Acton Road in Marksville, with Father Abraham Varghese officiating. Burial will follow at Antioch Cemetery located at 4598 LA-361, Goudeau, Louisiana 71333.

Benjamin J. Jones, age 74, of Filth Ward, entered into rest on August 22, 2023. He was born on October 18, 1948, in Goudeau, Louisiana, to Lester C. Jones, Sr. and Bonnie Mae Ford Jones. He was the seventh born of eleven children.

Benjamin was proceeded in death by his parents, Lester C. Jones Sr., and Bonnie Mae Ford Jones; his son De’Andre Callegari; siblings Geraldine Hurts, Louise Alpough, Genester Bonier, Lester C. Jones, Jr., Nelson Jones, and Purvis Jones.

Those left to cherish his memory are his sons, Benjamin A. Derek Jones of Katy, Texas; Narain C. Jones of Alexandria, Louisiana and Cory Milbert Collerari of Bunkie, Louisiana; one sister, Doretha Laveigne of Houston, Texas; three brothers, Jerry Jones of Spring, Texas; Eddie Jones of Covington, Georgia, and Ronnie Jones of Houston, Texas. Five grandchildren; Keone Derrell Zacharie Jones of Houston, Texas, Naharia Renee Jones of  Alexandria, Louisiana, Sarianna Alfred of Bunkie, Louisiana, Aspen Callegari of Bunkie, Louisiana and Amie Callegari of Bunkie, Louisiana; and three great grandchildren; Keone Derell Alexander of Eastpointe, Michigan, Ashton Zacharie Jones of Houston, Texas, and Sanai Zahaurie Demi Jones of Houston, Texas.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, September 2, 2023, at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral home and will last until time of service.

                                                          Life’s Reflections of Benjamin Jones 

Benjamin Jones was born on October 18, 1948, to the late Lester Courtney Jones, Sr. and Bonnie Mae Ford Jones of Goudeau, Louisiana.  He was peacefully called to glory at his residence on Tuesday August 22, 2023.  

He was baptized at an early age by the late Rev. Joshua Thomas, at Antioch Baptist Church in Goudeau, Louisiana where he was a member.  Benjamin spent his childhood years in Goudeau, Louisiana and later graduated from Carver High School in the Class of 1969.  As he entered adulthood he converted to Catholicism, was dedicated to his faith and loved his family. He participated in various church organizations and was an usher at St Christopher Catholic Church in Bunkie, Louisiana when it was active in the Diocese of Alexandria.

Benjamin was a trailblazer.  He was the first black X-Ray Technician at Bunkie General Hospital when it was established in 1971.  Following his employment at Bunkie General Hospital, Benjamin retired and pursued various employment opportunities spanning from Bunkie, Louisiana to Houston, Texas until his health began to fail him.

Benjamin did not meet any strangers on his journey in life as he enjoyed socializing with people. He would always greet you with a warm smile and ask about your well-being before talking about how he was doing.  Benjamin was known throughout Avoyelles Parish and surrounding areas for his jokes, contagious laughter and always talking about the weather.  Some would say he moonlighted as a meteorologist.  In addition, Benjamin passionately enjoyed gardening and felt that he touched many through his yearly harvest. Bringing his harvest to market was his way of staying connected with the community.  He loved living the simple life and enjoyed cooking outdoors whenever the opportunity presented itself.  His favorite dish was seafood gumbo on NFL Sundays.   

Benjamin had a warm, tender heart and will be greatly missed by all.