Obituary of Michael Anthony Jones

Michael Anthony Jones, 44, departed this life on May 23, 2011, in Houston, Texas. He is preceded in death by his father, Gladis James Jones and brother, Lonnell Jones. Michael is survived by his mother, Charlye Mae (Duke) Jones; his friend and companion, Edwin B. Cockrell; sisters, Lesa Jones and Zella Sturgeon; and a host of many other family and friends. Michael graduated from Boley High School with the class of 1984 and received a Bachelor of Science from Langston University in 1988. He worked for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services in Oklahoma City as a social worker. At the time of his death, Michael was a social worker for the AIDS Foundation of Houston in Houston Texas. Michael moved to the Houston area in 1991. He and Edwin met in December of 1994 and he became the love of Edwin’s life. He dedicated his life to the services of his community through the prevention and education of the spread of HIV/AIDS and the education and support of those living with HIV/AIDS. Michael enjoyed his life and loved food and traveling. He loved music, especially jazz. Most would be surprised to know that he played the piano very well. Michael played so well that he was awarded a full musical scholarship to college. He enjoyed gardening and decorating he and Edwin’s home. His wit, humor, laugh and smile brightened the whole world and gave joy to everyone he knew. In addition to Michael’s loving family in Oklahoma, he acquired an additional level of support and the craziest smile when he met his partner. His Cockrell family included brother in law, Oswald Cockrell and his wife, Delores; Sisters- law, Valinda Brown and her husband, Robert, Drusilla Wilson and her husband, Damon, Sheila Cockrell-Fleming and her husband, Wesley; one niece and seven nephews. He actually participated in the Cockrell family reunion so much, that in 2006, he found himself on the family tree. No one knows who included him but it was never questioned and it was as if he always belonged there. The entire Cockrell family loved him as family. A Memorial Service for Michael will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2011 at 3:00 pm at Clayton Funeral Home at 5530 W. Broadway, Pearland, Texas 77581. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.claytonfuneralhomes.com.