A Legacy of Love & Kindness: Remembering Michael "Red" Jones

In Houston’s Fifth Ward, people are celebrating the life, and legacy of the late Michael “Red Jones.” For decades, the beloved resident watched out for neighbors, and transformed a METRO bus stop into a hub of community care.

"You could say he was one of METRO's first Adopt-a-Stop sponsors," said METRO Sr. Public Engagement Representative Luis Garcia, highlighting Jones' dedication to keeping the stop clean and looking after everyone who used it.

"You could say he was one of METRO's first Adopt-a-Stop sponsors," said METRO Sr. Public Engagement Representative Luis Garcia of Michael "Red" Jones.

METRO joined family and friends in dedicating a memorial plaque at the stop near Lyons Avenue and Gregg Street. It will ensure Jones’ kindness and civic pride will continue to inspire.

Jones’ family migrated from Lafayette, Louisiana in the ‘50s looking for better opportunities and laying the foundation of community commitment that would lead him to become a fixture in the Fifth Ward.

A Legacy of Kindness: METRO joined family and friends in dedicating a memorial plaque at the stop near Lyons Avenue and Gregg Street.

"Your name is everything. Respect and uphold your family name with love and integrity. That's who Michael was," shared Jones’ sister, Patsy. "His integrity came from our family. I hope we continue to pass down that legacy on to our children."

Opportunity to Connect:  "He loved his community," said Patsy Jones. "And that's why I think he put so much of his heart into it."

Friends, family and METRO employees remember Michael "Red" Jones as a friendly face at METRO Bus Stop #1983 in Houston's Fifth Ward.

She says his philosophy was centered on kindness and compassion. “He wanted to touch people's hearts with love because he believed love could conquer anything. He loved his community, and that's why I think he put so much of his heart into it."

Jones is survived by his daughter, Joymesha, son LaMichael, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.