Jones Albert

Jones Ross Albert, a longtime resident of White Oak Estates in Spartanburg, died Friday, December 14, 2012, at his home. Born September 1, 1922, in Lebanon County, PA, he was a son of the late Jones Roscoe and Flora Heilman Albert and husband of the late Dawn Hornbaker Albert. He attended public schools in Lebabon County. As a sergeant in the Army Air Corps during World War II, he served in the control tower at Key Field in Meridian, MS, where he met this future wife, Dawn, also serving in the Air Corps. Ross received a B.A. from Lebanon Valley College, an M.Mus. from Converse College, and an Ed.D. from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi and Pi Kappa Lambda; taught music at Milton Hershey School (Hershey, PA), Lebanon High School (Lebanon, PA), Atlantic Christian College (Wilson, NC), and USC-Upstate (Spartanburg); and directed choirs at St. Luke's Episcopal Church (Lebanon, PA), First Christian Church of Wilson, First Baptist Church of Wilson, and First Presbyterian Church of Rocky Mount (NC). Ross was a member of the Sunrise Civitan Club in Spartanburg. He enjoyed many creative endeavors as singer, violinist, composer, actor, poet, painter, and gardener. He played with the Tar River Orchestra, Wilson Symphony Orchestra, and Eastside String Quartet, among others. He performed in musical theater productions in community theaters in Wilson and Spartanburg, and in two seasons with Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre (Winchester, VA). He gave many solo voice recitals and sang with several community and church choirs, including the choir at the Episcopal Church of the Advent in Spartanburg. He was co-founder of the Wilson Symphony Orchestra, president of the Wilson Arts Council, and served for many years on the board of The Spartanburg Repertory Company. He is survived by his children, Thomas Albert (Nancy) of Winchester, VA, Gregory Albert of Norman, OK, Catherine Albert Terrell of Spartanburg, Barbara Albert (Hal Tyson) of Spartanburg; grandchildren, Matthew Albert, Elizabeth Albert, Ross Albert, and Shannon Albert; several step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, and one step-great-great-grandchild; brother, Edward Albert (Gere); sister, Kathryn Heckard; sisters-in-law, Margaretta Albert and Patricia Hornbaker; fifteen nephews and nieces; and hundreds of former students whom he loved very much. Memorial services will be 3:00 Tuesday, December 18, 2012, at the Episcopal Church of the Advent, 141 Advent Street, Spartanburg, SC, conducted by the Rev. J. Edward Morris and the Rev. Halcott R. Carter. A reception will follow in the Parish Community Life Center. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Colors Outreach of the Spartanburg Art Museum, 200 E. St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306 (864-582-7616); Barton College/Wilson Symphony Orchestra, c/o Barton College Office of Institutional Advancement, P.O. Box 5000, Wilson, NC 27893 (800-422-4699); or Church of the Advent Music Program, 141 Advent Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302 (864-585-2268). The family wishes to thank the staff of White Oak Estates Nursing Center; Hospice Care of South Carolina; and Jim Keegan, caregiver and friend. The family is at the home of his daughter, Cathy Terrell. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Jones Ross Albert please visit our Sympathy Store.