His Eminence
Chief Apostle Arthur T. Jones, Senior
Arthur Tyrone Jones, Sr., affectionately known as Chief Apostle, was born on October 31, 1948, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Roosevelt Calvin Jones, Sr., and Essie Mae Trotter Jones at The Brewster Hospital. He grew up in Jacksonville and attended Moncrief Elementary, Northwestern Junior/Senior High School, and William M. Raines Senior High School.
On July 4, 1964, at the age of 15, Arthur embarked on a lifelong journey of love with Sharon Patricia Cannon. From their first meeting at a youth gathering at her mother’s home, where he asked her to be his girlfriend, to their marriage on November 23, 1968, their bond flourished. Together, they celebrated 60 years of love and raised three precious children: Arthur Tyrone, Jr. (Tonya), Shantel Teneshia Cross (Herbert), and Ardel Torrence (Shironda). They also adopted and nurtured four children: Floyd Bernard Jones (Tonya), Walter Eugene Hall (Denise), Robert Christopher Weaver (Carmela), and Darrell Gene Brown (Teresa), along with many spiritual sons and daughters whom the Lord brought into their lives.
A Life of Ministry and Service
Arthur Jones was saved at the age of 15 and answered his call to ministry at 16. Raised in the Church of God in Christ under Elder Willie F. Faust, Sr., he overcame his shyness to become a powerful and anointed servant of God. In 1972, under the mentorship of Bishop M.C.H. Cooper of the Apostolic Church of God in Christ, he was ordained an Elder.
In 1974, at just 25 years old, he established All People International Church, Inc., in the double-car garage of his parents’ home. With unwavering faith and dedication, he grew this humble beginning into a global ministry. For 50 years, he served as the Founder and Senior Pastor of All People International Church, leading its congregation with unwavering dedication and spiritual vision. In 2014, he further expanded his ministry by establishing the Father's House International Fellowship, uniting pastors and congregations under a shared mission of faith. Bishop Jones was consecrated as a bishop in 1984 and affirmed as an Apostle in 2014, serving as the Presiding Bishop over numerous churches and ministries across the United States, Jamaica, Haiti, Brazil, and Nigeria.
Under his leadership, All People International Church became a beacon of hope, dedicated to serving God, the community, and the world with excellence. His vision was to bring salvation and empowerment to those lost in sin and to strengthen families and communities through God’s Word. Bishop Jones also founded Sons of Valor: Mentoring and Coaching Ministry, teaching generations to prioritize God and lead with integrity.
A Ministry of Compassion
Bishop Jones led a weekly outreach program that fed and clothed community members on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On Wednesdays, he extended support to his parishioners. This Ministry of Compassion, sustained by dedicated volunteers, has blessed countless lives.
Legacy and Honors
A man of wisdom and influence, Bishop Jones was an anointed speaker and lecturer, addressing spiritual, human, and social development issues. He was a recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including:
- Honorary Doctorate in Divinity from Truth Bible College Seminary
- 2000 My Sons Ministry Award
- 2004 Abba Award
- 2008 Pentecostal Celebration Award (A Living Legacy)
- 2010 Vision for Excellence Award by Matt Shrink, Public Defender, 4th Judicial Circuit of Florida
- 2011 Florida Gospel Legend Award
- Charter for the A.T. Jones University, Jacksonville, FL, by Logos Bible College
He and the Spiritual Care Team at All People International Church shared the gospel on WCGL’s "It’s the Gospel" radio broadcast for many years, inspiring listeners daily.
Family and Loved Ones
Bishop Jones was preceded in death by his parents, Roosevelt Calvin Jones, Sr., and Essie Mae Trotter Jones. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Sharon Patricia Cannon Jones; their children Arthur Tyrone, Jr. (Tonya), Shantel Teneshia Cross (Herbert), and Ardel Torrence (Shironda); their adopted children Floyd Bernard Jones (Tonya), Walter Eugene Hall (Denise), Robert Christopher Weaver (Carmela), and Darrell Gene Brown (Teresa)
Papa’s Precious Legacy
He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Aja Tanae (the firstborn grandchild), Asya Tierra, and their mother, Iquana Marie; Tiana Renee, Arthur Tyrone III, Carrington Ashlyn, Hannah Marie, Carmen Irene, Brittni, and Jalen D’Mar.
He is also survived by his loving siblings Roosevelt Calvin, Jr. (Anita), Evelyn, Tina, Barbara (Thomas), and Theodore (Doretha); uncles and aunts Jesse Jones, Mary Jane Lee, Dolly Randolph (Walter), and Maple Jones; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, special friends, and members of the clergy whom he loved and respected. The All People International Church family and the Fathers Covenant International Fellowship pastors and congregations, whom he faithfully led for over 50 years, will forever cherish his memory.
The Legacy continues…
Bishop Jones’ life motto, “Follow me as I follow Christ,” reflects the integrity, wisdom, and love he demonstrated throughout his ministry. A dedicated husband, father, mentor, and servant of God, he was a beacon of hope and inspiration to all who knew him.
