Vance "Duke" Jones, Jr.

Vance Jones Jr., affectionately known as “Duke,” departed this life on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. He was born on November 10, 1964, in the Bronx, New York, to Vance Jones Sr. and Sarah Diggs-Jones.

Vance was educated in the New York City school system. Throughout his life, he was a devoted sports fan who enjoyed football, baseball, and basketball. He proudly supported the New York Giants, New York Yankees, and the 2026 NBA champion New York Knicks. Vance also enjoyed bowling and took great pleasure in competing with and often beating his wife, Darlene, who grew up bowling. Duke was a superb cook infamously known for his potato salad.

During his working years, Vance held several positions throughout New York City. He worked as a cook at Durant Nursing Facility and later as a driver, delivering exotic mushrooms to some of the city’s finest restaurants. He ultimately dedicated 37 years of service to the United States Postal Service before retiring. During his postal career, he was affectionately known as “Socrates” and “NoChance.” He earned the respect of his colleagues and became well known for his memorable personality, fairness, quick wit, and love of sports. He also served as a fantasy football and basketball commissioner.

Vance married the love of his life, Darlene. After spending several years together in New York, they relocated to North Carolina, where they were warmly welcomed by an abundance of family members. They continued building a happy life filled with love, laughter, and treasured memories.

Vance leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Darlene; his parents, Vance Jones Sr. and Sarah Jones; his brother, Kenneth Jones, and sister-in-law, Delonna; mother-n-love, Carol Livingston; his three bonus children; three bonus grandchildren; his sisters-in-law and brother-in-law; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Duke will be remembered for his warmth, humor, cooking, and unforgettable spirit. Although his passing leaves a deep emptiness in the hearts of those who loved him, the memories he created will remain with them forever.

We loved you, Duke, but God loved you more.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on July 25, 2026 in the Richard Boles Funeral Service Chapel.

Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning 1:00 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. at the funeral home.

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