Samuel Jones Sr., affectionately known as Sam, departed from his earthly home Tuesday, June 13, 2023, in San Leandro, CA. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Sam graduated from Rochelle High School in Lakeland, Florida. In 1963 he earned his Bachelor of Sciences degree from Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida.

At FAMU, Sam met the love of his life, Hazel Redden from Arcadia, Florida, whom he married in 1966. The same year, Sam moved to Sonora, California, to begin his first job as a counselor at Five Miles Job Corps Center, where he was joined by his lovely bride.

Seeking new employment and higher horizons, in 1968 the young family moved to Oakland. They were the parents of two successful and productive children: a son, Dr. Samuel Jones, II and Candice Jones Mulder, owner and CEO of J-Vision Educational Services, and artist manager for her actress daughter, Nia Mulder.

Sam and his wife were raised in Christian homes, and they continued this spiritual life by joining Oakland’s Allen Temple Baptist Church under the leadership of J. Alfred Smith Sr. where Sam served God and attended faithfully for more than 50 years until passing.

Sam truly loved his family. Although living in California, he and his family traveled often to Florida, visiting family and friends. They also enjoyed traveling to numerous places, within and outside of the United States.

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For 57 years, they enjoyed and lived a wonderful life together. One of his blessings was seeing his granddaughter, Nia, portraying the role of Young Nala in Disney’s iconic production, “The Lion King.”

In the last five years of his life, Sam’s health began to decline. He was, until his end, a believer, a fighter, and champion.

Sam is survived by his wife, Hazel; son, Dr. Samuel Jones; daughter, Candice Jones Mulder; granddaughter, Nia; son-in-law, Marshawn Mulder; brother-in-law, Priest Redden; and numerous aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

The viewing will be on Monday, July 10 at C.P. Banon Mortuary at 6800 International Blvd., Oakland, California.

Sam’s celebration of life will be held Tuesday, July 11 at 11 a.m. at Allen Temple Baptist Church, 8501 International Blvd., Oakland, California, 94621

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