MACON, Ga. — Former Councilman and Pastor Charles Jones — who died earlier this month — will be honored once again on Friday.
Macon-Bibb County announced that they'll unveil street signs on Plant Street dedicated to Jones, according to a press release. The signs will be placed between Jeff Davis Street and Mercer University Drive. The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m.
“Pastor Jones has done so many wonderful things in the Bellevue Community, where I grew up,” District 2 Commissioner Paul Bronson said. “He had an initiative called ‘Down with Dope and Up with Hope’ to fight drugs in the area, that eventually became an example for other cities. Because of his major impact, it’s an honor to pay tribute to him and celebrate his legacy the best way possible.”
Jones died on Thursday, June 13 at 70-years-old. Many people, like Bronson, remembered him fondly.
Councilmember Elaine Lucas, who also grew up in Bellevue, noted that he always brought "light into a room" with his humor and cheerfulness.
"Macon is better because of his presence here in this community and his dedication and commitment to doing what he could do to make sure violence didn't overtake our community," Lucas said. "He will be missed."
He served on the Macon City Council from January 2001 to Dec. 13, 2013, holding nearly a 13-year tenure. He also was a Bibb County firefighter and was a Chaplain for the Fire Department.
Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones, among many others, noted how the former councilmember worked with the previous police chief, Jim Brooks, to clean up the Bellevue area of drugs.
The press release notes he marched in several cities, including Red Oak in the Atlanta area and Savannah. Lucas said some of her favorite memories of Jones are marching with him.
Jones, who was also a pastor at the Greater Rising Star Full Gospel Tabernacle Church on Plant Street, will now be honored near the church he started. Coroner Jones noted how supportive he, and his congregation were when he needed it most.
"We've been friends for a minute," Jones said. "When my mother died in ‘96, I got nothing but support from Charles Jones and his church members."
Jones previously had a day named in his honor. On March 30, 2021, Lucas proclaimed and presented that day as Pastor Charles Jones Day. While she hasn't had to celebrate while he's gone, Lucas noted how happy she was to honor him over three years ago.
"It's very special because you want people to know about somebody before they're gone," Lucas said. "It's always a great opportunity when you can give a person their flowers while they can still smell them. So, it was a pleasure to be able to do that."
Jones' Celebration of Life will take place the day after his street sign unveiling on Saturday, June 29 at 12 p.m. at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church.