Obituary of Mervyn J. H. Jones

Merv is the first-born son gifted to Catherine & Mervin on March 24, 1966. His father was so elated to have a son, he picked the doctor up off the floor! Merv was an excellent student from the very beginning. He attended Philadelphia public schools where he met the high-academic achievement standards for placement at Julia R. Masterman for middle school and Central High school. Both were renowned for academic scholars. At Central High school, Merv was quarterback of the football team and chosen by both faculty and peers as the ombudsman of his graduating class. He was proud to share that no one understood the depth and power of this position. As ombudsman, he advocated for the issues and concerns on behalf of his peers to the faculty leadership. Merv graduated from Central H.S. in June, 1984. After high school, Merv attended Temple University as a football walk-on. All sports were right up Merv’s “alley” (no pun intended), as he was also an avid bowler. He often could be found scouring the sports page of the newspaper to commit to memory all the statistics in the box scores. Merv also had a passion for writing. At Temple he would hone his writing skills. Fittingly, Merv received his bachelor’s degree from the school of Radio, Television and Film, from Temple University in June, 1988. After graduating from Temple, Merv landed a career job with an Emmy award-winning, nationally syndicated sports series which featured the much acclaimed TV show, “The Greatest Sports Legends”. At that time, it was viewed as the “job of his dreams”. It was with this show that Merv was afforded the opportunity to interview many famous sports personalities, while requiring him to travel extensively. Continuing his career, as producer, director and writer, Merv became the creative “brain-child” behind many of the new TV show productions for Steve Rotfeld Productions. One of his favorite creations was a TV show that featured real-life moral dilemmas to give young viewers and teens a chance to ponder what they would do in the same situation. He named it, “Whaddyado”. However, it was with the spin-off show, “Chat Room”, he managed to land his oldest nephew, Harold, a recurring role as one of the featured teens. We all delighted in watching through to the end to see the credits roll reading “Written and Produced by” – Merv Jones. In 1993, Merv formed his own production company, under the clever name, M.T. Pockets Productions, Inc. M.T. Pockets would support his and Andrea’s creative visions. Later in Merv’s career life, he could be found enjoying many of Temple University’s football and basketball games as the designated (PA) public address announcer. Merv had long ago mastered the art of voice inflection and this just added an extra special “flavor of interest” to what was happening on the court and/or field. Coupled with his perfectionism and his laid-back personality, he became fondly known as “the voice of Temple”. During his undergraduate years at Temple, Merv met his soul mate and the love of his life, Andrea Traywick. To say Merv was truly smitten is an understatement! After many a Temple game, he would drive the borrowed family Chevy estate station wagon to the ends of the earth to pick-up Andrea and her band mates. Andrea’s band mates often teased Merv about the then later model wagon. They affectionately dubbed it the “Merv mobile”. But they weren’t too proud to ask for a ride on those cold and blustery winter evenings. Eventually, Andrea and Merv realized that theirs was a match “made in heaven”. They married in November, 1992. Although Merv was born and raised in Philadelphia and Andrea was a native of Chester, they decided Wilmington, Delaware was the place they wanted to plant their roots and raise their family. Merv and Andrea’s union created two beautiful children, Merven Mosi and Jayna Catherine. Both became the apple of his eye and sparkle to his smile. Anyone would be hard pressed to find a prouder father or more dedicated husband and family man. From the beginning, Merv had a very strong Christian life. It was an added blessing to have his paternal grandmother, Rev. Irene Jones, live with his family in his growing years. “Mom-Mom”, along with his Mom & Dad, helped to nurture his love for Christ. Merv attended Church and Sunday school at St. Matthew AME, in Philadelphia, where he accepted Christ at a young age. At St. Matthew, Merv learned the bible through lessons, stories, and the infamous Spiritual Retreat to Camp Streamside. It became evident that he loved learning, as his life was a testament that he studied and prayed for the wisdom and understanding of God’s word. He first taught Sunday school as a teenager when he was bold enough to teach the “seasoned aged” Adult class. Many in that class were Bible scholars, educators, and ordained clergy. He often shared that they gently guided and directed him with both parental spiritual wisdom and tough love. This wisdom prepared him for his teachings at Bethel. Being a man of great faith, and raised in the AME tradition, it was of the upmost importance for Merv to find a “church home” for his family. After visiting many churches, he & Andrea decided on Bethel AME, around the same time that Rev. Beaman was appointed as pastor. Merv felt comfortable here, rolled up his sleeves and got to work. Continuing along with his passion for helping and reaching youth, he was designated to teach the teen Sunday school class at Bethel. Although a gentle and laid-back personality, Merv was tough on discipline and respect. He could often be found “entertaining” the teens in the lower annex. He knew first hand that often teens don’t really care what you know, they just want to know that you care. Once that foundation was laid, many a teen looked forward to attending his Sunday school class. Merv would draw them in with the icebreakers of his humorous wit and “hot topic” discussions. Before you knew it, they were leaving with life lessons wrapped around a Bible based story. Our beloved Merv endured a long and courageous battle with cancer. We know that Merv is victorious in the Lord with no more pain and suffering. As a spirit-led Christian family, we love him strong, and know that God loves him GREATER! Merv was predeceased in death by his mother-in-love, Elizabeth Traywick; maternal grandparents, Theresa & Warren Robinson; and paternal grandmother, Irene Jones. Merv leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his life: his loving and devoted wife, Andrea; son, Merven; daughter, Jayna; mom, Catherine Joy; father, Mervin JH; father-in-love, Andrew; sisters, Angela & Kathy (Rodney); brother, Andre (Pam); sisters-in-love, Ramona (Harold) & Gloria; brother-in-love, Jonathan (Mary Frances); aunts; uncles; many dedicated nieces and nephews; devoted cousins; extended family and friends.