Honoring the Legacy of a Humble Servant of God

Bishop Asa Jones, Sr., was born on August 4, 1935 in Laurel, Mississippi. He was the oldest son of ten siblings born to the union of the late Maudie L. Brewster-Jones and John Gora Jones.

Bishop Asa Jones, Sr., received his education through Academy High School in Erie, Pennsylvania. At an early age, he understood the importance of family and hard work, as he willingly took on the responsibility as provider of his household, after his father's demise. Bishop Asa Jones, Sr., worked tirelessly to ensure that his home, which consisted of his mother and nine siblings, was maintained with the necessities of life.

Bishop Asa Jones, Sr., preserved the work ethic instilled within him during his formative years, throughout his life and professional career. He remained a diligent worker and achieved great success in each position obtained. Early in his career, he became a Manager for Mason's Department Store, as well as an Insurance Agent for New York Life Insurance Company. As his career advanced, he became a New Car Salesman for Dailey's Chevrolet, which transitioned into Hallman Chevrolet. To date, Bishop Jones still upholds the record for the most new vehicles sold in a single month at Hallman Chevrolet, by selling fifty-three vehicles within a thirty day period.

Throughout his career, Bishop Asa Jones, Sr., received countless awards for his outstanding salesmanship. He was also afforded the opportunity to receive the Dale Carnegie Certification and be selected as member of the Legion of Leaders.  Bishop Asa Jones, Sr., also pressed through barriers during his career, as he was one of the first African-American car salesmen in Erie, Pennsylvania.

While attending a church service one evening, Bishop Asa Jones, Sr., set his eyes on a beautiful young woman by the name of Floretta Beason. As he held her hand to help her down the stairs, he knew she was destined to be his wife. On October 25, 1952, their hands intertwined once more as they were married in Holy Matrimony. To their union was born seven daughters and five sons. Their lives together were blessed and enriched for almost seventy years. There was never a question of the genuine love Bishop Asa Jones, Sr., had for the love of his life and queen, Mother Floretta Jones. The love they shared was truly indescribable.

As a father, Bishop Asa Jones, Sr., maintained a love for his children that was unmeasurable. He worked tirelessly to ensure his children received all they desired. He was willing to do all that he could to ensure they received the most in life.

In 1958, Bishop Asa Jones, Sr., was baptized in Jesus name and received the precious gift of the Holy Ghost, under the tutelage of the late Bishop Tony R. Ratcliff of Greater Bethlehem Temple Church in Erie, Pennsylvania. He served tirelessly in various capacities within the ministry, including a Sunday School Teacher and the Church Treasurer.  He was also ordained and appointed as a Deacon within the church. Bishop Asa Jones, Sr., played a vital role in Bethlehem Temple Church, during their relocation to 41 ^st and Washington Street, as he was a driving force in ensuring the relocation was successful.

Bishop Asa Jones, Sr., was called to ministry in 1980. As he began evangelizing, he ventured to Toledo, Ohio to embark upon ministry. In 1986, he birthed the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, which was originally located at 26 ^TH and Wayne Street in Erie, Pennsylvania. The church also held services at the 7 ^th Day Adventist Church located Sassafras Street in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Under his leadership, the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ then relocated to 1963 Buffalo Road. This location was completely transformed through the vision of Bishop Asa Jones, Sr., and a few faithful church members, including his children Gwendolyn Gavin and John Reginald Jones.

Bishop Asa Jones, Sr.  was also a longstanding member of the True Churches of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. He was ordained as a Bishop in the Lord's church by the late Bishop Kasper Jackson of Clinton Street Greater Bethlehem Temple Church of Detroit, Michigan.

On the morning of May 5, 2022, Bishop Asa Jones, Sr., was born into eternity. God dispatched His angel to call His faithful servant home, to rest from his labor and receive his heavenly reward.

Bishop Asa Jones, Sr., leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of over sixty-nine years, Mother Floretta Jones. His daughters: Patricia (Pete) Heidelberg of Creve Couer, Missouri, Pamela (Larry) Copeland of Durham, North Carolina, Gwendolyn (Jerome) Gavin of Erie, Pennsylvania, Stephanie Thomas of Erie, Pennsylvania, Sheila (Stephen) Halton of Cleveland, Ohio, Vanessa (Carey) Arnold of Erie, Pennsylvania, and Clarise (Clinton) Crockett of Erie, Pennsylvania. His sons: Kenneth (Michelle) Jones of York, Pennsylvania, Roderick (Sharon) Jones of Erie, Pennsylvania, John Reginald (Tayna) Jones of Erie, Pennsylvania, and David Jones of Erie, Pennsylvania. His is preceded in death by his son, Asa (Valarie) Jones, Jr.

Bishop Asa Jones, Sr., also leaves to cherish his memory, 39 Grandchildren, 85 Great-Grandchildren, and 5 Great-Great Grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his two grandsons, Michael Copeland and Stephen D. Halton, Jr.

Bishop Asa Jones, Sr., also leaves to cherish his memory, his sisters, Melvie Lee (Mack) Bean, Ruth Ann (Albert) Stovall, and Elnora Jones. He is preceded in death by his parents, Maudie L. Brewster-Jones and John Gora Jones, and his siblings, Rose (Ernest) Lee Crosby, Carrie Lee (Albert) Thigpen, Virginia (Robert) Robinson, John Earl (Barbara McNeal) Jones, Milton Jones (Betty Jean Howard-Jones-Ellis), and Marvin Jones.

Bishop Asa Jones, Sr., also leaves of host of loving nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends along with his loving Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ church family, whom he loved dearly.

His legacy will live on.