“Whoever is happy will make others happy too”

[Anne Frank]

This is one of my favorite quotes, mostly because it is a reminder that there is beauty in the world, we just have to look for it and getting to know someone is a beautiful process. I found beauty, actually dapperness…and humor…in my friend, Maureen’s Grandfather, Ernest Jones or, as they call him, GPa. Facebook has this canny ability to divide people, but if given the chance it can also bring people together.

I have been friends with Maureen for over ten years now, she’s a wonderful soul and I love her positive outlook on life. She also has a loving way of presenting her Grandfather on her Facebook page through their everyday antics. A day with Gpa, even a regular trip to the doctor, can turn into comedy gold. He turns on the quick wit when asked routine questions about his health, casual observations,…or his perspective on life. After stalking...I mean...following him for a few years now, I reached out to my friend and asked if I could photograph him for my Legacy Project. I was SO happy they said yes!

A few months ago Joseph and I went to her house to create his portraits. This cutie rolls up and out of her car in head to toe sharpness, complete with pageboy cap! Apparently, he couldn’t find his “other suit” so this one would have to do. I love the glint in his eyes in every one of these portraits! The love he and his Granddaughter,  Maureen, have for each other is oh so evident here! 

I asked him some questions that I wish I would have asked my grandparents while they were still with us. Such as what his favorite childhood memory was. He said he was one of fifteen children, him being sandwiched right in the middle and his youngest sibling, Carol is 82 years young.  When I asked him who his favorite sibling was and he said “he didn’t want to lie so he wasn’t going to answer that question.” Oh, so diplomatic of him!  

He was a farmer many years ago in Zebulon and they grew tobacco, cotton, “not too much corn," and they also raised hogs and chickens. Hard work runs deep in his veins.

He voted for the first time in 1956 and he has voted every chance since, not missing a single election. Further evidence, that voting is a privilege we should NOT take for granted. 

When I told him he was cute he responded by saying he was “halfway handsome” with a chuckle. This is the one remark he made where I will disagree. However, he does agree that he is sharp as a tack!

He loves going to church to sing in programs. Matter of fact, they had a family choir and up until Covid, they would host fifth Sundays by rendering the singing portion of the service. His servant’s heart is evident. 

He was married to his lovely wife for 68 years before she passed away in 2015. And I wish you could have seen the way he chuckled while talking about her (SO CUTE!). 

When I wrapped up my conversation with him I asked him if he was ok with me posting his images on Facebook or, as he calls it “the book”. He said yes and he would just like to “get half and get paid” if any money came from it. Nothing would bring me more joy than to see GPa become a social media influencer and rake in 100% of his proceeds. Well, maybe getting another lifetime to know this witty soul, but I will take the time I got to spend with him and cherish it. 

Upcoming generations should take notes because there is a reason his is called the Greatest Generation.