Oronde M. Jones, a proud veteran of the United States Army, passed away October 16, 2023, at the age of 51 years old.

The son of Marhlon Cook and Joyce Jones, Ronde, as he was known to most, was born in Washington, DC.  He later moved and was raised in Rand, WV.  He graduated from Dunbar High School in 1990 and went on to West Virginia State College before joining the U.S. Army.

He was rare, one that was so generous, smart, and kind. A friend like him is what everyone needs, full of smiles and laughter, and always there with a helping hand. There were many wonderful aspects to Ronde's life, and many ways that he touched our lives. He will be remembered as a loving father, wonderful brother, a great friend, generous uncle and cousin.

Oronde was notorious for his love of music and making up his own versions of songs. In all these ways and more he has made our lives richer and fuller. He lives on in our memories and stories, and in what all of us have become because of him.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, James and Gwendolyn Cooke; maternal grandparent, Rita Gray; parents, Marhlon Cooke and Joyce Jones; brother, Vance Jones; and special aunts, Melissa "Moms" Jones and Barbara M. Brown.

Oronde is survived by his seven children, Kara Carter (Terrus), Alyn Jackson, Oronde M. Jones, II, Jawan Jones, Daelyn Jones, Oriah Allen and Kamrynn Davies-Smith; siblings, Sadaqah Hasan El of New Mexico, Nneka Prince (Charles) of Brandywine, MD, Changa Cooke (Cassandra) of Bowie, MD, Tuere Johnson (Ramon) of Calvert County, MD, Bandele M. Jones (Debra) of Charleston, WV, Fatima Thomas of Waldorf, MD, Dawana Cooke of Jessup, MD, Samerrha Cooke of Georgia, and Marhlon Cooke of New Jersey. Oronde also leaves behind to mourn a host of family and friends.

A service honoring Oronde will be held at 12 p.m., noon on Monday, October 23, 2023, at Keller Funeral Home, 1236 Myers Avenue, Dunbar, WV 25064.

Immediately following will be a graveside burial ceremony at the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery located at 130 Academy Drive, Dunbar, WV.

Visitation will be prior to the service from from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

Flowers and condolences can be sent to Keller Funeral Home. www.kellerfuneralhome.net