A memorial service will be held 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church.

Marcelius Lyndel Jones, better known as "Lyndel" was born on June 11, 1965, at Community Hospital, Wilmington, North Carolina to Andrew J. Oats and the late Mary Elizabeth Jones. He departed this earthly life on January 9, 2023. Lyndel was educated in the New Hanover County School System.  During his middle school days at Roland Grise, he was voted the most athletic 7th grader in 1978. While attending J.T. Hoggard, he also played on the football and basketball teams before graduating. After graduating, Lyndel joined the work force to make a living for his family. Any time Lyndel was around you were destined to have a great time. He grew up in the Hillcrest Community and as an adult he always made sure to go back to visit. He enjoyed being a great father, grandfather and spending time with his grandkids. Lyndel's favorite football team was the Dallas Cowboys. In addition to his mother, Lyndel was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, McKinnley Sr. and Beatrice Mays and his paternal grandparents, Andrew and Lucille Oates. Lyndel leaves to cherish fond memories: seven children: Shanelle Bullock (Damian), Antwane Johnson, Donté McGuire (Terri), Keon McGuire (Meskerem Glegziabher), Diamond Jones (Kaylene), Rakim Lee, and Marcelius Jones (Maria); thirteen grandchildren; Ka'Leigh Graham, Damian Bullock, Jr., Dallas Bullock, Dior Bullock, Dylan Bullock, Meskerem Glegziabher, Kairo McGuire, Kash McGuire, Kayden Jones, Kamaren Jones, Mikhi Davis, Kali Montgomery and Mase Green; his father, Andrew J. Oates (Ethel); five brothers, Frederick Jones (Michelle), Daron Jones (Sandra), Warrick Jones (Ginger), Joseph Oats, and Derrik Oates; one sister, Deidre Oates; two uncles, Edward "Top" Keaton, Sr. of Wilmington, NC. and McKinnley "Sonny" Mays of Adele, GA, two aunts; Maxie Sinkler and Beverly Anne Mays of Adele, GA.; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.