After a lifetime of accomplishments and service, Terrel C. Jones passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, March 9, 2023. Terrel Jones was born on January 21, 1961 in San Francisco, California to the late Essie Mae and Jesse Jones. Terrel graduated from Bedford High School in Boston, Massachusetts in 1979. Terrel joined the United States Air Force in August of 1979. Terrel began his military career stationed at Myrtle Beach AFB working in the medical field. It was there that he met and married the love of his life, Cynthia. From there, he was stationed at Bitburg AFB in Germany and then at McGuire AFB in New Jersey. Later, Terrel cross-trained to Recruiting and received his final assignment to Shaw AFB, Sumter SC. In September 1999, Terrel retired after 20 years of dedicated service. Terrel took immense pride in serving his country. After Military retirement, Terrel received an Associates Degree in Computer Programming and worked several years for Sumter School District 17 at PAL Academy Alternative School. Terrel loved working with and talking to children. He loved making a difference in their lives. He later returned to Shaw Air Force Base as a civilian working as a Program Coordinator for the 20th OSS Squadron until his passing. He led worship and was a teacher at the Shaw AFB Gospel service. Terrel was a member of Harvest Reapers Church of Sumter SC, Dr Cregg L. Chandler. Terrel loved to shooting pool, playing golf, reading books, and being outside tending to the yard. He loved grilling and cooking what he would call “throw together”. He enjoyed playing and watching basketball. Basketball was Terrel’s passion. Throughout his high school years and military career, he played on many basketball teams and won many tournaments. He also coached intramural basketball teams at Shaw AFB. He also loved sharing his wisdom with young people and “adopted” many as his own. He was known to have a special chair in his office for airmen to come sit and talk. They never left his presence without being encouraged to pursue their greatness. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 41 years, Cynthia D. Jones; his children Cyntrel Newson, Cetario Jones, and son-in-law, Duane Newson; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Rev. Willie Joe and Mary Ellen Dozier; two grandchildren, Sir Arthur Newson and Isaiah Terrel Newson; five siblings, Noland Jones (Kim) of Arizona, Shirlynn Jones of Massachusetts, Karla Jones of Virginia; Karma Warsheski (Jim) of Massachusetts, Kenyetta Wadleigh (Bret) of New Jersey, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Terrel will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know him and will always hold a special place in our hearts. In accordance with the COVID-19 guidelines, the family is requesting that face masks and social distancing be observed by relatives and friends during visitations at the home, 445 Katydid Street, Sumter. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a. m., Thursday, March 16, 2023 at First Missionary Baptist Church, 219 South Washington Street, Sumter, with the Rev. George Windley, Jr, Pastor, Pastor Cregg L. Chandler, Eulogist. The Remains will be placed in the church at 10:00 a. m. for viewing until time of services. The procession will leave the home at 10:30 a. m. Burial will be in the Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, at 9:00 a. m., Friday, March 17, 2023.
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