Olander "O. J." Jones

OLANDER RAVON JONES was born in Columbus, Ohio, on Wednesday, August 9, 1944. He was the son of Helen S. Payne and Albert Jones. “O. J.,” as he was affectionately called by family and friends, received his formal education from Columbus City Schools. He was a proud graduate of Central High School, where he ran track and field and was a member of the basketball team. Olander was a 2004 retiree of General Electric.

Upon completion of a three-year long mentor program, Olander became a commissioned, respected member of the Men’s Ministry at Rhema Christian Center.

Olander enjoyed good food, discussing politics and current events, as well as sharing humorous jokes and stories. He never passed up a good laugh. In his leisure, he listened to jazz music, watched NBA games, and loved traveling. His hobbies included photography and hot-rodding in his ’67 Oldsmobile 442. He also served as a volunteer for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). His greatest love, however, was spending quality time with his family and friends.

Blessed with seventy-eight years of life, our beloved Olander R. Jones entered eternal rest on Monday, April 17, 2023. In addition to his parents, Olander was preceded in death by his brothers, Eddie Jones and Costonia Jones and granddaughter, Lea N. Rowland.

Loving memories are cherished by his daughter, Chelyne N. Jones; stepson, Brian (Julia) Stewart; granddaughters, Chelyse Rowland and Leenah Rowland; aunt, Bertha Smith; nephews, Antonio Seldon, Kacey Logan, and Christiaan Jones; cousins, Karen Frazier, Terry (Ray) McCurdy, and Cathy Phelps; a host of other family members and dear friends.