Paul David Jones

Paul David Jones, son of the late Elmer Jones, Sr. and Areila Hull Jones, was born in Cambridge, Maryland, on October 18, 1946. He transitioned from this life on September 2, 2026, at the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Dorchester in Cambridge, Maryland. Paul attended Pine Street Elementary School in Cambridge, Maryland, and graduated from Mace’s Lane High School in 1964, where he excelled in track and field.

In 1966, Paul enlisted in the United States Army. During his military service, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with a Bronze Service Star, and a marksmanship commendation for rifle proficiency. He was honorably discharged in 1968. Paul worked for DuPont Textiles in Seaford, Delaware, for many years, retiring in 2014 to tend to his garden, cherish time with his grandchildren, and hunt with his nephews.

Paul became a member of Water United Methodist Church in Fork Neck, Maryland, at an early age and faithfully participated in various ministries. He was an active member of the United Methodist Men and enjoyed serving in the church kitchen. Prior to his health declining, Paul was also an active member of the Masonic Order.

Nearly 50 years ago, Paul married the love of his life, the late Estella Sylvia Ennels. Paul was the devoted father of three children: Laquita Abbey (Tony), the late Rodney David Jones (Bridgitte), and Vaughn Edwin Jones. His compassionate nature shone through in the many ways he cared for others. He shared his culinary talents with family and friends and opened his home to help raise his grandchildren. An avid hunter and farmer, Paul was also a skilled carpenter who built his family home in Aireys, Maryland. He always cherished attending family reunions to gather with loved ones and share the bounty from his garden.

A life well lived moves toward “a mourn just begun, greeting the dawn and not a setting sun.” In addition to his parents, his wife, and his eldest son, Paul was preceded in death by his siblings: Bailey Hull, Ardessa Jones Pinder, Cleoin Jones, Sylvian Jones, Awdry Jones, Thurman Chester, Elmer Jones, Jr., and Betty Jones.

Paul leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Laquita Abbey (Tony); son, Vaughn Jones; grandchildren Lea Simone, Rodney David II, Darius Matthew, Chelsea Vaughn Jones, Derrick James Anderson, Nicole Abbey, Trinity Abbey, and Ava Estella Jones; great-grandson Amarion Ja’Leal Jones; great-granddaughter Storm Abbey-Smith; siblings Irene Jones Webb (Donnie), Ella Jones Conaway (James), and William Jones (Estella); god daughter, Donna Rae Webb-Wright (Leon) ; sisters-in-law Barbara Ennels Lake, Hattie Ennels Green, Edna Ennels Thornton, and Gloria Ennels McLean; along with a host of nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends who will fondly remember him as he sets sail toward a merciful God.

During his final years, Paul was lovingly cared for by his devoted niece, Ellen Bronté Lake, and a dedicated team of caregivers: Ernestine Jones and the staff of Caring Hands, Kim Abdele-Mataal, and William Collins. Their compassion and support brought him great comfort at home. The family remains forever grateful for the kindness and care extended to him each day.