Kenyatta ("Bear") Jones

JONES, KENYATTA LAPOLEON “BEAR”

Kenyatta Lapoleon “Bear” Jones was born on January 18, 1979 in Gainesville, FL to Jessica Hadley-Brown and Willie Jones, Jr.  

    Kenyatta received his formal education through the Alachua County school system, graduating from Eastside High School (Class of 1997). During his tenure at Eastside High School, Kenyatta excelled academically and received many awards for his accomplishments - being who’s who of America high school students, E.H.S Weightlifting state competition (Heavyweight Class 1996), (700lb State Competition 1997), (Outstanding Special Teams player 1994), (Outstanding Offensive Linemen 1996). He also participated in track and field, and had a love for the game of basketball as a true forward, nevertheless guarding down in the paint on the basketball court lead him to guard on the football field. After an injury of a broken hand, the coaches recognized his talents and moved him from a standing center into the position as an offensive lineman at right tackle and “the game was on.”

    He became a gentle giant on and off the turf. At 6’3, 253 lbs bench pressing 380lbs with a birth weight of 4.7 lbs, favorite food being pizza with a nick name of “Bear.” Kenyatta’s passion for football came from his immolation of his godfather John L. Williams who attended the University of Florida and formal outstanding Running Back for the Seattle Seahawks. Kenyatta stated “I was lucky; I had a good mama behind me and a good coach as a role model.” Coach Bob Wint stated “his mother worked long and hard with him along with the coaching staff to steer him in the right direction.” His potential led to a listing of many SEC colleges; however the University of South Florida coaching staff entered into the home of Kenyatta Jones and his mother with the most genuine concern of being educated and playing sports.

    He received a full scholarship to the University of South Florida. Kenyatta “Bear” was a graduate of the University of South Florida, where his name is written in the history of University of South Florida Hall of Fame, along with Anthony Henry and Bill Gramatica. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft, Pick #96. Kenyatta played for the New England Patriots from 2001–2003 where he played in Super Bowl XXXVI on February 3, 2002. The New England Patriots won 20-17.  Kenyatta also played for the Washington Redskins from 2003–2004, Tampa Bay Storm in 2008.

    Kenyatta was not about his status he made small people feel big, he was an amazing guy, brought the most out of everyone, inspired the life in people and had a smile which glowed in the darkness and radiated in everyone’s heart.

    As his eyes changed colors once he became a father. You silently protected your family with love and affection at no cost. We must learn to look in your room as your infectious smile covered the entire landscaping grounds of 800.

    Kenyatta was called home to eternal rest on June 9, 2018. Leaving behind a legacy of lyrics with his music career “W.”

    He leaves to cherish precious memories a precious daughter, Kamani Monet Jones (Teneshia Sanders), Miramar, FL; and his son, “The General” Kyle Lapoleon Jones (Porche Randle) Redondo Beach, CA; a loving, devoted, and caring Mother and Father,  Jessica Hadley-Brown and Wayne Brown (Pa-Pa); Father, Willie Lee Jones, Jr. and wife, Lakay Jones; Step-father, Aaron McGlon (Charlene); grandparents, Virginia Ferguson “His Queen,” Willie Lee Jones, Sr. (Brenda), Tisha McGlon, Lottie Had-ley, Mildred Neasman and Juanita Williams (Ferdinand); brothers and sisters, Alex Smart, Jametta Joseph, Jasmine Brown, Tioshi “Ty” Brown, Tavares Jurineack, Jerrell Page, Kimmie Jones, Willie Jones (TaShebia), Shalonda Jones, Willie Jones III, Jamal Jones, Jabriel Hopkins (Wayne), Lembia Kinsler, Jamonte Jones, Damonte Jones, and Tyler Behn; Goddaughters: Niyalise and Suriel Page; Godparents: Johnny & Laura Hunt, John L. & Sharon Williams, Steven & Regina Sermons, Katrina Colston,  Carolyn Woods King & Rosetta Branch. Godsisters: Mary Hodge, Betty Brokenborough, Sherikey Kyler Mobley (Ivan), Kassier Merchant; Godbrothers: Henry Johnson, Jerome Kyler

    Ocala visitation 6-8pm, Thursday, June 21, 2108 at New St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Ocala, FL 34470. Gainesville visitation, 4-6:30 pm, Friday, June 22, 2018, Springhill Missionary Baptist Church, 9718 120 SE Williston RD, Gainesville, FL 32641. Celebration of Life 1:00pm, Saturday, June 23, 2018, First Assembly of God, 1827 NE 14th St, Ocala, FL 34470. Professional services have been entrusted to Hadley-Brown Funeral Home, 127 NW 20th Street Ocala, FL 34475 (352) 620-0573 Eulogist, Dr. Jonathan McKnight.

"Providing Unparalleled Service and Compassion"

Hilton Ocala

3600 Southwest 36th Avenue, Ocala, FL, 34474,
Kenyatta Jones Memorial

Hotel Rate $109.00 per night

Special Code KJM

https://secure3.hilton.com/en_us/hi/reservation/book.htm?execution=e1s1

*PLEASE NOTE   Per the request of the family   NO PHOTOS and NO VIDEO RECORDINGS. 

All Media and NFL Affiliates, it is imperative that you contact Mr. Wayne Brown, Jr. of Hadley-Brown Funeral Home for instructions.

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