Albert Lee "Tulum" Jones, Jr.

Albert Lee “Tulum” Jones, Jr. was an extraordinary husband, father, brother, uncle and friend that took great pride in loving his family. He earned his wings on Friday, May 17, 2024 at age 82. On January 2, 1963, Albert Jr. married Margery B. Jones and they celebrated 61 years together. Albert is survived by his three children: Trevin A. Jones (Lakeisha B. Jones), Kevin L. Jones (Gina Jones), and Keisha L. Jones (Barry Hawkins), his sisters Madeline Ballard, Shirley Jones, and Dontina Jackson (all of Lancaster), and two brothers Sylvester "Casey" (Ada Jones) and Robert Michael "Mike" Jones. As well as 10 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and his Goddaughter. Albert Jr. was born to the late Albert Lee Jones, Sr. and Jimmie Dee Jones. He was preceded in death by his paternal (great) grandparents, Will and Sarah Jones; parents of Bertha Jones, maternal grandparents Martha and JD Wilcox, and his brother, Franklin D. "Sonny" Jones. Though he was born in Miami, Florida, he affectionately called Coatesville, PA his home. Tulum spent his early years in Carver Court playing with his siblings and developing friendships that extended well past his time in Coatesville. Because of his affectionate heart, he was well-known and loved within his community and beyond. He strengthened these bonds as he delivered papers on his daily routes which served the entire Carver Court. As a child, he attended James Adams Community School where he often recalled having leaders and mentors who instilled pride for his community in him. Tulum loved making consistent visits to see his “gramps” who lived down the street from James Adams school, attending church with her each Sunday, and taking trips to Georgia to see his grandmothers each summer. He held several jobs including helping out at his uncle's shoeshine and worked as a caddy at the Coatesville Country Club. In his early years, he was an accomplished baseball player as a Shortstop, and the first Black player ever on the Coatesville City West End Little League baseball team. He was even named the Most Valuable Player. In 1955, at age 14, Tulum moved to Lancaster, PA where he spent the remainder of his life. Tulum was involved in his new community as he worked alongside his siblings as a supervisor at “Jesse’s Playground” (Rockland Street Playground), and developed friends and family with his outgoing nature. He was always up for an adventure; he traveled to visit his family in Harlem, went on family trips and cruises, attended the Penn Relays annually with his family and so much more. Tulum loved to dance, especially when he would “Bop” with his wife no matter the occasion. He put on annual cabarets and even took bus trips to the Mitch Thomas show: the show where he made a surprise live appearance on television as his family unknowingly watched from their living room one Saturday morning. In addition to dancing, Tulum knew how to dress; he made it a point to stay “coordinated,” and he was sure to finish every outfit with a cap or brim hat from his impressive collection. He committed his adult years to providing for his family and leading by example by pursuing a business degree from York College while simultaneously working. Tulum later retired as a Dispatcher from the Yellow Freight Corporation. He also enjoyed taking care of his home; he completed his yard work alongside his neighbors and mixed up concoctions that made his T-shirts, socks, and sneakers as white as could be. During his downtime, he enjoyed spending time with his family and teaching his children and grandchildren life lessons through storytelling about his family history and memories. His TV ran continuously, and a wide array of sports were sure to be playing. He especially loved the Olympic season. It did not take much to make him smile. He always looked forward to summertime and warm weather so he could sit on his porch, reminisce, host his friends and family, and enjoy the breeze. Throughout his life, Tulum never forgot his roots. Thus, his roots and his life will always be remembered. Tulum will be remembered for his affirming love and compassion, infectious smile, ability to make everyone who stood in front of him feel special, and his tough love too. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy will live on through his family and all of the life lessons he taught them. A Funeral Service will be held at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 701 N. Lime St., Lancaster, PA 17602 on Friday, May 31, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Friends are welcome to greet the family at 10:00 a.m. for the visitation hour. The Burial Service will immediately follow at Mellinger Mennonite Cemetery.