Elder Anthony D. Jones, Sr.

Pastor Anthony (Tony) Jones, Sr., a devoted family man, public servant, spiritual leader, educator, and Registered Nurse, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025, at the age of sixty-five. He was born in Albany, NY on February 26, 1960, to Elijah John Jones and Middie Victoria Jones. He attended the Niskayuna and Schenectady public schools and graduated from Linten High School in Schenectady.

Known for his unwavering commitment to justice, healthcare, and ministry, he dedicated his life to serving others through his work in government and his service in the church.

Anthony held a distinguished career as a Quality Care Facility Review Specialist and investigator with the New York State Justice Center and the former NYS Commission on Quality of Care. His integrity and compassion shaped a legacy of advocacy for the vulnerable in the mental health and disability systems.

Before transitioning to investigative roles, Anthony worked for over 15 years as a Registered Nurse with the NYS Office of Mental Health. He served in inpatient psychiatric units and crisis centers, including as a Nurse Manager at the Adolescent Crisis Respite Unit at Capital District Psychiatric Center in Albany—offering support to youth in need of emergency mental health care.

Anthony was also a gifted teacher and theologian. He graduated as Valedictorian from Mid-Hudson Bible Institute in Albany with a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and went on to instruct first-year students at the same institution. His passion for scripture and mentorship left a lasting impression on those he taught. He was revered as Elder Jones.

A lifelong man of faith, he joined Wilborn Temple First Church of God in Christ in 1985, where he grew spiritually and served faithfully. He was ordained as a Deacon in 1994, became a Licensed Minister in 2007, ordained as an Elder in 2012, and became Assistant Pastor in 2018. He also completed a Clinical Pastoral Education program at Albany Medical Center to further enrich his ministry training.

He deeply loved his family. He married the love of his life, Deborah Ann Holt, on August 9, 1986, and he was the devoted father of Ashley, Kendra and Anthony, Jr.

He was a constant source of quiet support and prayer for those he held dear and a man who remembered the needs of others and carried them in his heart. In his free time, he was an avid reader with a particular love for the leadership teachings of John Maxwell, collecting and reading nearly all of his books. He enjoyed quiet moments at home, watching HGTV, walking outdoors, traveling with his wife, and savoring good food, especially sushi. He also had a lifelong passion for fitness and bodybuilding, having competed professionally and remained dedicated to staying strong in both body and spirit.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Deborah Ann Jones; his children, Ashley Jones, Kendra Jones and Anthony Jones, Jr. (Sydni); his grandchildren, Aniya Harris, Tomonte Harris, Jr.,  Ladavid Matthews, Jr., Timmy Harris and Levi Jones; his siblings, Aretha Jones (James), Crystal Tranholm (Eddie), Yolanda Evans (Shelton), Kiante Jones (Solita);   his in-laws, Felicia Joseph (Lorne), Robert Holt, and Major Holt; and a  host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews  godchildren, family members and friends. His mother Victoria Harris, his stepfather Raymond Harris, his father, Elijah Jones and his sister, Sabrina Jones preceded him in death.

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