Shawn Jones
Shawn Jones grew up in Newport, Arkansas, and experienced a wonderful childhood with his parents, Tommy and Sue Jones, and his two brothers, Scott and Brian. His hobbies were similar to those of anyone who grew up in the Arkansas Delta: hunting, fishing, and playing sports. After graduating from Newport High School in 1993, Shawn began his college journey at Arkansas State. For his sophomore year, he transferred to the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) in Conway, Arkansas, where he met the love of his life. “I walked into the local Missionary Baptist Student Fellowship at UCA, and there was Courtney. She was the first person I met as she gave me my name tag. We have been married since 1998!” Shawn says.
When it comes to the relationship between Shawn and his father, everyone insists that Shawn is very similar to Tommy, not only in appearance but also in mannerisms. “My dad was born in 1951 and grew up on a farm around Oil Trough, Arkansas. He had a hard childhood, but not a bad one. He was very personable and quick with a joke. Everyone around town knew my dad! However, as with most men growing up on a farm, he could also be stern. He was a hard worker and loved my mom unconditionally. He and my mother raised us in church and gave us a good life. We didn’t come from money; we were middle class at best, but he did his best to provide for his family. He expected a lot from us boys, but we knew we were loved. Unfortunately, my dad was diagnosed with cancer when he was 49 years old and passed away when he was just 51 years old,” Shawn says.
Shawn was just 27 years old at the time of his father’s passing, and shortly after, he would learn that his own family was growing. “Becoming a dad was bittersweet for me. I found out I was going to be a dad the week after my dad passed away. I stayed in Newport, Arkansas, with my mom the week after his funeral to help her with the next steps of her life. When I came home to Conway that next week, Courtney met me at the door with two positive pregnancy tests! I was going to be a dad! It was one of the most exciting moments of my life, but also one of the most heartbreaking. I could not call my dad to tell him the good news,” Shawn says. “I love nothing more than being the father to two of the most wonderful blessings God could give me! Is fatherhood what I expected? No, it is so much more! Life isn’t perfect; there are hard times, issues, and problems, but my love for my kids is more than I could have ever expected. By the grace of God, I have stumbled my way through this journey, and I’m a better man because of my kids.”
Today, Shawn and Courtney have two children: Clayton Jones (22) and Adyson Jones (16). Clayton just graduated from Oklahoma City University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting and a minor in Directing. Shawn says, “Clay is one of the most talented people I know. He acts, sings, plays multiple instruments, and is one of the most likable people you will ever meet.” Adyson will be a senior in the fall at Pleasant Grove High School. She is now a four-year member of the Showstoppers and serves as the Social Officer President. Adyson is also active in her teen group at Northern Hills Baptist Church, where she is on the leadership team and sings for the teen band. “She is smart, quick-witted, and has a heart of gold!” Shawn says.
Shawn wishes to encourage young fathers by saying, “It is ok to ask for help because you do not have all the answers. You will need help! Also, you will inevitably mess up along the way, which is fine. Pray without ceasing because you and your family need God. Always be there for your kids.”
Shawn recognizes that every moment will not be enjoyable, but he wishes for young fathers to cherish every moment because life is fleeting. Before you know it, your kids will be gone and living their own lives.