Donald Earl Jones

Reflection of Life

On Sunday, December 14, 2025, Donald Earl Jones Sr., affectionately known as “Huggie Bear,” entered eternal rest at the age of 61 in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Donald was born on August 7, 1964, in Victoria, Texas, to the late Charlie Andrew Jones and Ethelene Jones. He was the eighth of nine children. At an early age, Donald moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, where he was raised and educated in the Corpus Christi Independent School District.

Donald accepted Christ at a young age and was a faithful member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he served under the leadership of Rev. R. L. Bell. He was raised with strong values, a solid work ethic, and the belief that if a job was worth doing, it was worth doing right.

Known for his warm heart and willingness to help others, Donald never hesitated to lend a helping hand. He worked various jobs throughout the city and was respected as a dedicated and dependable worker. One of his greatest joys was cooking, especially barbecuing — a passion he developed early in life.

Donald met Joyce Marie McGee later in life, and the two united in holy matrimony in 2008. He loved his wife deeply, and together they shared 17 years of marriage filled with love, growth, and cherished memories.

Donald was a man of character — not perfect, but genuine, loving, and deeply devoted to his family. He will be remembered for his words, his actions, his laughter, and the love he gave so freely.

He was preceded in death by: His parents, Charlie Andrew Jones and Ethelene Jones; his sister, Clara J. Toliver; his brother, Leonard A. Jones; his nephew, Connie R. Jones;

and Leonard A. Jones (Puda). He leaves to cherish his memory: His loving wife, Joyce Marie Jones, of Corpus Christi, Texas; Three sons:

Donald Earl Jones Jr., David Jones, and Marcus Edwards, all of Corpus Christi, Texas;

One daughter: Ashlee Lamb, of Corpus Christi, Texas; Two stepchildren: Kylie Davis and Marcell Davis, both of Corpus Christi, Texas.

 Three granddaughters: Di’Raijon Jones and Jailani Jones, both of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Truth Edwards, of Austin, Texas. 

Two step-grandchildren: Jayeon Davis and Yasmine Davis, who affectionately adored their Papa “Huggie Bear”; 

Two brothers: Charles R. Jones Sr. (Linda), of Houston, Texas, and Louis A. Jones, of Corpus Christi, Texas. 

Four sisters: Linda K. Miller (Richard), Minnie A. Jones, Judy A. Williams, and Gladys Jones, all of Corpus Christi, Texas; And a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends.

Donald will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.

The Jones Family