WEEMS—Nathaniel Matthew “Nat” Jones died Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at his home in Weems.
He was born on September 14,1926, in Weems to the late Nathaniel Jones and Mary Esther Carter Jones. He was a member of Sharon Baptist Church in Weems.
Nathaniel attended A.T. Wright High School until his senior year when he was pulled out to serve in the U.S. Army during World War II. After returning home from the Army, he married Marvis Beale on June 4, 1948. Nat worked as a rigger on the menhaden fishing boats out of Delaware, New Jersey and Louisiana. Eventually, he became the cook on the boat.
He later became a pilot, acing the rigorous exam in one try. As a pilot, he would navigate the shipping channels as the captain mapped out the boat’s itinerary. In the winter, he tonged for oysters in the Rappahannock, James and the Potomac rivers. After retiring and returning home from working on the water, Nat shucked oysters for Kellum Seafood. He also worked as a carpenter for many years for family and friends.
Nathaniel was preceded in death by sons, Anthony Carter and Matthew Jones; and sisters, Frances Carter, Sadie Braxton and Vivian Underwood.
He is survived by his wife, Marvis B. Jones; and his devoted children, Wayne Jones, Mildred Oliver, Rev. Beverly Thomas, Eric Jones, Geraldine Nickens, Otis Jones and Dorothea McKinney; sisters, Marjorie Rich and Barbara Rich; 29 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren.
A service was held Thursday, May 6, at Sharon Baptist Church in Weems with interment in the Sharon Baptist Church Cemetery.
