Our Staff
Michael has been associated with the family business since he was a youngster growing up in Durham. He is a graduate of Hillside High School class of 1966, he received a BS in Business from North Carolina Central University and a graduate of the Simmons School of Embalming and Mortuary Science in Syracuse, New York. Michael is licensed by the State of North Carolina Board of Funeral Service to provide funeral directing and embalming services.
Michael is veteran who served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. He is a member of James E Shepherd Sertoma Club, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., NCCU Eagle Club, the NCCU Alumni Association, and he is an active member of Union Baptist Church where he has served on many committees and is a Trustee Emeritus.
Michael was married to the late Nellie Taylor Jones for 46 years. They have three adult children, Nina, Michael and Marcus and are proud grandparents to four boys and two girls.
Michael believes that "anyone can do the ordinary, it's how we do the extraordinary that is the true measure of our service"
Nina Jones Mason is the fourth generation of Jones funeral directors. She is a graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Atlanta, Georgia. Nina is licensed by the North Carolina State Board of Mortuary Science to practice funeral directing and embalming. Nina graduated from Riverside High School in Durham and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology.
Nina is our pre-need specialist, trained to help people with their pre-arrangement funeral planning; this allows her to educate, provide resources, and advocate for the needs of our clients prior to and at the time of profound loss.
Nina is a member of Union Baptist Church in Durham and is on the hospitality committee. She serves in many appointed and elected positions with the Durham Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Nina is married to Allen J. Mason. They have one son, Sidney and one daughter, Alina.
Nina brings 25 years of continued commitment to respectful, professional, and caring service.
Jennifer, a native of Garner, North Carolina, graduated from the inaugural class of Wake Early College of Health & Sciences before obtaining her Bachelor's Degree in Political Science at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in Durham. Currently, she is furthering her education in Funeral Service at Fayetteville Technical Community College.
In her role, Jennifer oversees the daily operations of the firm, ensuring that each family receives the highest level of care and that their vision is executed with excellence.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Jennifer is an active member of Upper Room COGIC, where she contributes to the Women’s and Hospitality Ministry. Additionally, she is involved with the NAACP, the National Urban League, and the Wake Citizen's Council, reflecting her passion for both community service and politics. When she's not assisting families or serving her community, Jennifer enjoys leisure activities such as golfing, brunching, and horseback riding.
Jennifer's dedication to funeral service, her community, and political engagement is evident in her nine years of committed and compassionate service.
Lorenzo, a North Durham native, grew up at the family's residence close to the funeral home. A graduate of Northern High School and an active member of Union Baptist Church, Lorenzo has dedicated 15 years to serving in senior leadership at Duke Hospital Healthcare Clinics. Concurrently, he is completing a degree in Funeral Service at Fayetteville Technical Community College.
In his professional capacity with the firm, Lorenzo collaborates closely with a team comprising technicians, assistants, and licensees, ensuring precise execution of logistics plans to actualize each client's vision.
Married to Niyah B. Vaughan, Lorenzo and his wife proudly parent four sons: Ahmyr, Landon, Khalil, and Karter.
In his leisure moments, Lorenzo delights in cooking, traveling with his wife, and volunteering at his children's various academic and sporting events; along with volunteering with local community outreach groups such as the Boys & Girls Club and the NAACP.
Since becoming part of the Ellis D. Jones team in 2019, Lorenzo has been ready to offer compassionate and supportive service to the families we serve, backed by five years of steadfast commitment to delivering respectful, professional, and empathetic care.
Thomas Bernard Clark Sr. was born in Pamlico County, North Carolina. He resides in Raleigh, North Carolina with his wife Brenda Lavender Clark, of forty-seven years. Thomas graduated from Saint Augustine’s College, Raleigh, North Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education, May 1976.
Thomas has five children, thirteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
He is a member of Restoration International Ministry, Raleigh, NC, and serves as one of the ministers. He also serves on the Usher Board and the Leadership Team. Thomas has a love for people and never meets a stranger.
Thomas brings 3 years of continued commitment to respectful, professional, and caring service.
Calvin Harris, Jr. is a North Carolina native. After High School, he continued his Maternal Legacy at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in Durham receiving his Bachelors Degrees in Political Science and History and a Masters Degree in School Administration. As a very proud Eagle, Calvin holds true to the University's motto of "Truth and Service". He is currently studying Funeral Directing at Fayettville Technical Community College.
Calvin guides each client through a carefully curated plan of care, during their experience of profound loss while in the care of our firm.
He is a member of the Northern Piedmont Chapter of the NCCU Alumni Association where he currently serves as Chapter President; North Carolina Black Elected Municipal Officials (NCBEMO); National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials; National Association of Black Male Educators; the National Education Association; the Zeta Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc and Blooming Star Lodge #53 of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina Jurisdiction.
As a child, Calvin always spoke about Funeral Service and the respect and comfort that it brings to those in their time of need. After a myriad of professions, Calvin feels that he is at home in Funeral Service. He is truly thankful to God and honored to be called to this profession and the families that he serves. Calvin has been with the Ellis D. Jones family since 2017.
Calvin brings 16 years of continued commitment to respectful, professional, and caring service.
Allen is licensed by the North Carolina Board of Funeral Service to practice embalming and funeral directing.
He was born in Warrenton, NC, and graduated from Vance Granville High School and Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service. Minister Jones also studied at the Apex School of Theology in Durham, NC since 1990. He served in the Army reserves in the 505th Eng. Battalion out of Gastonia, NC.
His attends City Well Church of Durham and is co-Pastor of Change Paths Ministry of Durham, NC
Allen had one son and five grandchildren.
He has worked with Ellis D. Jones & Sons for over 35 years as a funeral director and embalmer. He is committed to excellence in service to families and with their love ones he prepares.
Freddie Edwards has been apart of the Ellis D. Jones family since he was a young boy growing up in North Durham in the same vicinity of the business. The family moved to Boston, MA and he lived and worked there for 30 years. So, it is a pleasure to having him back in Durham and as a part the our staff.
He is a member of Union Baptist Church where is serves as an Usher and a driver for the transportation ministry.
Freddie has three children and two grandchildren.
He is a funeral attendant that offers dedicate and caring service to the families we serve.