Arthur Lee Jones III

Arthur Lee Jones III, affectionately known by many as Art, Lil Arthur, Lil Aufa, Littles, Little Lunch, and Dough Boy, was born on December 4, 1979, in Easton, Maryland. He was the beloved baby boy born to Arthur Lee Jones Jr. and Mary Speller Jones.

Arthur was educated in the Queen Annes County Public School System and graduated from Queen Annes County High School in 1997. With a natural love and talent for cooking, he later attended Culinary School at Chesapeake College.

Throughout his life, Arthur was a hardworking man with many talents. His employment included working as a cook at Anglers, Kent Narrows, and Hollys, an independent contractor installing cable lines for DIRECTV, a Lead Custodian with Queen Annes County Public Schools, and with Zodiac of North America, Inc., where he helped manufacture military boats. Never afraid of hard work or learning something new, Arthur also worked as a professional mover, pipeliner, security guard, and in other capacities throughout his life. He was skilled with his hands and knowledgeable about many things, earning a reputation as someone who could figure out how to do just about anything.

At heart, he was a true country boy who loved the outdoors. Some of his happiest times were spent fishing, crabbing, hunting squirrels in the backyard, riding motorcycles and dirt bikes, and simply enjoying life. He loved dogs and had a special appreciation for the simple pleasures of being outside.

Arthur was also at home in the kitchen and at the grill. A gifted cook, he was known among family and friends as a master chef and grill master. Cooking and grilling were more than things he did well—they were ways Arthur brought people together. He loved entertaining, laughing, eating, and spending time surrounded by family and friends.

And when football season arrived, there was no question where Arthur’s loyalty stood. He was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan, cheering for his team with the same passion and enthusiasm he brought to so many other areas of his life.

Arthur valued friendship deeply. He especially loved his “Scottown Crew.” Neither distance nor the passing of time could break the bond they shared. Through the years, they remained close, carrying with them memories, laughter, loyalty, and a brotherhood and sisterhood that endured.

Arthur was a member of Robinson A.M.E. Church in Grasonville. In April 2017, he gave his life to Christ under the leadership of Rev. Rashi Pinckney. He later rededicated his life to Christ under the leadership of Rev. Barrington B. Ross, affirming his faith and relationship with God.

Arthur leaves a lifetime of love and precious memories to be cherished by his beloved mother, Mary Jones; his treasured daughters: Desirea and Monae Carroll; his loving sisters: Dawn Phillips (Daron “Bam”) and Jasima Jones; his loving brother, Jermell Jones; and his adopted brothers: Paul Newton and Travis Speller; nieces and nephews: Daejour Phillips, Nyasia Ewell, Amani Speller, Daliyah Amoroso, Nyshon Hadrick, Navon Ewell, Daron “Drue” Phillips, Jamion Jones, Amarion and Camrion Thomas, Izaeiah Amoroso, Khalil Jones, and Khalil Speller; his bonus nieces and nephews, his Godchildren: Darrion Speller, Shardae Churchill, Kierra Carter, Sierra Boyer, Wanyae Smith, and Taurize Curtis Jr., and a host of loving aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Arthur shared an especially precious bond with his oldest sister, Trina. She loved and adored her baby brother. In a heartbreaking turn for their family, Trina gained her wings just 15 days after Arthur, joining the brother she loved so dearly.

Lil Arthur was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Lee Jones, Jr.; his paternal grandparents: Arthur and Coretta Jones, Sr.; his maternal grandparents, Johnnie and Margaret Speller; and many other beloved family members and friends who went before him.

Arthur loved the same way he lived - big, hard, loud and proud and although his earthly life may have ended, the sound of his laughter, the warmth of his smile, the food he prepared, the stories he told, the friendships he nurtured, and the enormous way he loved will remain woven into the lives of those who knew him.