Donald Ray Jones

Donald Ray Jones was born May 16, 1944, to Bernard and Elizabeth Robinson in Washington DC. He grew up attending school in the Washington, DC Public School System and graduated from Dunbar High School in Northwest, DC. He was the eldest child of two brothers, Tyrone Smallwood and Bernard Robinson Jr. When he turned 21 years old, he made the decision to enlist into the United States Air Force where he was stationed at Bolling Air Force Base. He followed in the footsteps of his father and younger brother in joining the military. While in the military he enjoyed traveling all over the world and was especially fond of his time spent in Japan and Colorado.
After the Vietnam War he was stationed at Mountain Home AFB in Idaho. While there, he decided to end his years in service on October 30, 1968, to come home and marry his then fiancé, Harriet Jones née Campbell. Less than a year after being honorably discharged from the United States Air Force, he married the love of his life Harriet “Beverly” Jones on August 10, 1969.
After the military, he began working for the Federal Government as a professional photographer at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NoAA). However, he retired from Department of Defense (DoD). During his career he worked at locations to include The Pentagon and Fort McNair.
In 1973, they purchased a home in (Temple Hills) Prince Georges County, MD with the help of a VA home loan. He passed away peacefully in that same home he lived in for the past 47 years surrounded by love. Their marriage lasted for a beautiful and blissful 54 years. For eight years, Donald and Harriet enjoyed each other’s company alone along with their red Doberman Pinscher, he named “King.” In 1977, they welcomed their first child, Darnell. Two years later, Harriet became pregnant with their daughter, Debbie. Together they had another beloved family dog named “Sparky” for over 15 years.
Over his lifetime, his family traveled to Canada and various States. He strongly believed in exposing his children to various cultures and experiences. He knew there was a world outside of what they were familiar with and encouraged his children and grandchildren's creativity and exploration. Over the course of his career in federal government, he captured pictures of presidents, actors, and other notable officials. Photography was something he became passionate about and continued to pursue
for the duration of his life.
In 2001, after working in federal government for over thirty years he retired from the Department of Defense. During his retirement he enjoyed baking, fishing, traveling, but most importantly spending time with family and friends. He also enjoyed watching his favorite sports teams, The Washington Nationals and The Washington Commanders better known as The Redskins.
When God called him home on August 11, 2023, he made sure to give his "lovely" wife an anniversary card as he never forgot. He leaves behind a host or relatives and friends to include his devoted wife, Harriet. His darling daughters Darnell and Debbie. His adoring Grandchildren Marie, Augustus, Dashe, Dauntez, Taliyah, Xondra, Zyquan, Bella, Zacharia, Elijah, Jayvian, Jaziah and Svante. His cherished great-grandchildren Jordan, Legend, Royal, and Xora. His battle buddy and best friend,  Deacon Miles Kyles and numerous beloved in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in his death by his Mother Elizabeth, Father Bernard Robinson Sr., Daughter Isabel Jill Jones, Brothers Bernard Jr. and Tyron