By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Staff Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
Maryland House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones (D-Md.-10) laid to rest her eldest son, Brandon, on March 7. The state lawmaker was supported by an audience composed mostly of Jones’ peers in the Legislature and other officials, who filled the pews at Union Bethel A.M.E. Church in Randallstown, Md., to funeralize the 44-year-old who died on Feb. 27.
Photo credit: AFRO Photo/Tashi McQueen
The service was filled with hymns, expressions of love, loss and support for Speaker Jones and her family.
“Please know that everyone here supports you, is here for you,” said Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller (D) to Speaker Jones at the funeral. “Thank you for your leadership to the people of Maryland.”
Brandon Jones was born on March 26, 1981, the son of Adrienne A. Jones and the late Robert Lee Jones Jr. in Baltimore, Md., but he was raised mainly in Randallstown, Md. He attended Baltimore County public schools, graduating from Towson High School. He attended Baltimore County Community College, where he studied business. He went on to receive an associate of science degree in information technology-multimedia from ITT Technical Institute. He began working for the county at its 911 Call Center and later transitioned to the Department of Corrections.
Jones enjoyed gaming, watching movies and television shows featuring science fiction.
In addition to his mother, he leaves behind his brother, Daylan Jones; nephew, Jalen Jones; niece, Janelle Jones; and many more relatives and friends. His father preceded him in death.
Stephen Verch, Brandon Jones’ coworker at Baltimore County Department of Corrections, described him as punctual, and serious about his duties and work policies.
Jones’ uncles also spoke at the funeral, recollecting their fond memories of him. His uncle, Barry F. Williams, spoke fondly of the fact that Jones was his first nephew.
“All of my siblings became an aunt or an uncle before I did,” said Williams. “It wasn’t until Brandon was born did I become an uncle.”
“Outside of becoming a parent and grandparent, I thought that becoming an uncle was the best thing to be,” he added. “I learned from him as much as he learned from me.”
Jones’ other uncle Darrin Williams shared some blessings for his departed nephew.
“Rest in peace, Brandon,” he said. “May heavens’s light shine upon you. We love you, but God loves you best.”
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