Terry Joe Jones "T.J" was born to Eddie Burnis and Ella Mae Jones on November 12, 1946, in Wellington, TX. He attended Booker T. Washington School and excelled in academics, basketball, track, football, and golf. Not only was he active in his community, he also worked for Coca-Cola Company during the summers as a forklift operator.

He graduated in 1965. He furthered his education at Texas Southern University for 1 year. On August 1, 1966, he married the love of his life, Sally Ann Meadows Jones. This cherished union blessed T.J. and Sally with four beautiful bouncing baby girls Rachel Rhnea Carter, Lurketia Jones Thomas, Terrye Joann Reid, and MoEve Marshey Ford.

August 8, 1966, he was drafted into the United States Army.

T.J.'s military journey commenced as a Private First Class in "C Company," where he spent 13 months stationed in Korea. Throughout his service, he was fortunate to evade deployment to war. After returning to the United States, T.J. and his family moved to Amarillo, TX.

During this period, he also dedicated many years as the national coordinator for the Booker T. Washington School Reunion. He continued his career at the Coca-Cola Company, where he progressed to the role of Professional Engineer/Truck Driver. T.J. began his spiritual journey with Christ in 1979, guided by Hayward Henry at Carter's Chapel CME Church in Amarillo TX.

He engaged actively on multiple boards and took on various roles within the church, including trustee, choir member, Sunday school teacher, and bus driver. Eventually, he found his true calling in the ministry of Ushering.

Eager to learn, master, and teach a universal method of church ushering, he joined the Amarillo Citywide Ushers Union and Texas Church Ushers. In 1986, he was elected president of the Amarillo Citywide Ushers Union and 4th Vice President of the Texas Church Ushers Convention.

His mission was to unite ushers from all denominations to support and spread the message of Christ through their ministry. In 1995, T.J. and his family moved to Abilene, where he continued his career with Coca-Cola while deepening his faith.

That same year, he joined Antioch CME Church, where he shared his knowledge and experience in the ushering ministry. T.J. was an active member of Antioch, contributing in various roles, including President of the Usher Board, Director of the Board of Christian Education, Sunday School Superintendent and teacher, Bible study leader, and Vacation Bible School instructor.

Additionally, he served on the Board of Trustees and assisted with the church's maintenance throughout his membership. With the support of his wife and local ushers, T.J. was inspired to establish the Abilene Citywide Ushers in 1998. This ministry flourished due to community involvement and expanded its reach by also participating in the Texas Church Usher's Conventions.

In 2001, T.J. retired from Coca-Cola after 35 years of service. He enhanced his involvement in thechurch and the community, but still needed to keep busy. He began working at the Boys & Girls Club of Abilene in 2002, filling his days with another layer of purpose. As the Assistant Director of the Lee Club, "Mr. T.J" served countless children, teenagers, young adults, and adults through his work at the club.

Meanwhile, the overwhelming response of the ministry in ushering for the Abilene Citywide ushers pushed T.J. to further his training and become a certified School of Ushering Instructor. Through diligent study, and support from the Texas Church Ushers, he became a certified instructor in July2015. Abilene Citywide Ushers opened their first school of ushering in October 2015.

Unfortunately the school closed a year later due to the relocation of the family of students. The Abilene Citywide Ushers continued to press forward however, spreading the universal way of ushering to support many churches in the community.

In 2021, T.J. was honored by the City of Abilene and the Boys & Girls Club of Abilene. On May 27, 2021, Mayor Anthony Williams proclaimed this date as "T.J. Jones Day," and formerly named Lee Club was renamed the "T.J. Jones Club."

This remarkable recognition serves as a testament to his contributions to the community and the lasting impact he has had on countless generations. He recently retired in May 2026.

He entered his heavenly rest June 6, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his father- Eddie Burnis Jones, mother- Ella Mae Jones, sister - Esther Jones, brother- Ricky Carl Jones, and daughters-Rachel Rhnea Carter, and Terrye JoAnn Reid.

His legacy endures through the lives of his spouse, siblings, daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and host of friends.

Visitation will be held at North's Funeral Home Friday June 12, 2026 from 6-8pm 242 Orange St. Abilene TX, 79601.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday June 13, 2026 at 1pm at First Baptist Church in Wellington, TX 1106 15th St. Wellington TX, 79095.

Online condolences may be made at Northsfuneralhome.com