The Life Story of Barry A. Jones, Sr.
Barry A. Jones, Sr., (57) was called home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 5, 2023.
Barry was born to Deacon Richard and Bernice J. Jones, Sr., on July 10, 1967.
Barry received his education in the Philadelphia Public School System, where he attended Martin
Luther King High School and A. Phillip Randolph Career and Technical Skill Center. Barry then
went on to the prestigious Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island where he
received his bachelor’s in culinary arts.
Throughout his youth, Barry was a well-known member of the rap group Rock Steady.
Alongside his brother, DJ Slick Rick; Barry was known as Beatbox Barry B.
Barry met the love of his life, Robyn, in 1982 when he was 15 years old. They went on to marry
ten years later in 1992.
Through his educational training, Barry worked in catering until his culinary skills landed him at
The Bellevue Hotel, The Palace Hotel, Embassy Suites, and Aramark. Barry ended his culinary
career when he proudly became a Correctional Officer within the Philadelphia Prison System.
After working in the prison system Barry ended his employment career as a Parking Attendant
with the Philadelphia Parking Authority.
Barry’s proudest moments were when he became a father to his three children, Sharita,
Barry Jr., and Hakeem; walking his daughter, Sharita, down the aisle on her wedding day
in 2016 and then becoming Poppop to his seven grandchildren. Barry loved spending time
with his family, especially cooking for holiday functions. His favorites were Thanksgiving
and Christmas. Barry was known for his love for cooking on every occasion and event he
could.
Barry’s parents believed in the principle of Proverbs 22:6 which says, “train up a child in the
way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it”. They raised him at Mt. Zion
Pentecostal Church in South Philadelphia. However, Barry got to know the Lord for himself as a
man at Sharon Baptist Church, alongside his sister, Kim. Barry then joined Mt Airy Church of
God in Christ with his family. Barry traveled some rough roads through life that pulled him away
from church, but he knew he could not depart from God. He loved to read the bible and loved to
hear his sister, Kim, preach.
Proceeding Barry in death is his grandfather: Howard Jones, Sr., “Grandpop Ace”;
grandmother, Lillian M. Baile; uncles: Howard Jones, Jr., “Juney” and Adrile S. Baile;
mother-in-law: Judy Duncan; nephew: Terrance J. Fuller, Jr., “Lil Terry”; brother-in-law:
Rodney Duncan; brother: Richard Jones, Jr., “Rick”; son: Hakeem T. Jones, “Keem”;
goddaughter: Dominique Young-El; godson: Auntione N. Terry and grandmother: Louise M.
Jones.
Barry is lovingly remembered by his father: Deacon Richard Jones, Sr.; mother: Bernice J.
Jones; sister: Minister Kim T. Jones-Fuller; wife: Robyn L. Jones; sister-in-law: Kieota
Duncan-Green (Cyrus); brothers-in-law: Keith Duncan and Steven Duncan; son: Barry A.
Jones, Jr.; daughter: Sharita S. Culbreath (Kamil Sr); goddaughter: Tamara Young-El; nieces:
Terrea M. Fuller, Kiyah Cypress, Kamryn Duncan and Kèhlani Rose Greene (Nazirah “Nanii”
Williams); and Ma’Laysha Edwards (Imonie Lawery); nephews: Kyle D. Greene; and Terron R.
Fuller; granddaughters: Saniyah; Camya; Caprianna; and Amor (Stephanie D. Shipman);
grandsons: Kamil Jr., “KC”; Basir; Barry III, “Tré”; Samir (Brea Davis); and Aiden (Asia
Henderson); and a host of additional nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Lovingly Submitted.
The Jones Family
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Barry Adrile Jones Sr., please visit our floral store.