Rev. Clifford E. Jones

Rev. Dr. Clifford E. Jones is a native of Laurel, MS and a graduate of Alcorn State University, in Lorman, MS. He is also a graduate Gordon–Conwell Theological Seminary, in Hamilton, MA and a graduate of Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, AL. Dr. Jones also holds an honorary doctorate from the Montgomery Bible Institute and Theological Center in Montgomery, AL.

In 1996, he retired from USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service as State Resource Conservationist in Alabama, completing a career of 27 years of service.

In 1993, Dr. Jones became pastor of the Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church in Opelika, Alabama. This church has grown from a membership of 300 to over 1000 members. In addition to the growth of the membership, the Construction of a Worship Center and a Family Life Center has been completed with a cost of over $6 million.

A Veteran Memorial has been constructed on the campus of Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church to honor Veterans who served in each branch of the military.

He has a long extensive connection with Veterans in Alabama and the nation. Some of the activities are: Hosting and speaking at the Clergy and Veteran Conference at Auburn High School; Dr. Jones spoke on a National Webinar for Army One; Hosted and spoke on a VA Mental Health Summit at Greater Peace; Spoke on The Stigma of Moral Injuries in Montgomery to Veterans; Hosted and spoke at a Summit entitled God4Vets at Greater Peace, Opelika and St. James UMC in Montgomery; Spoke at the Extreme Civility Retreat in Washington, DC; and participated in Warrior Outreach Promoting Strong Veterans and Families.

In 2000, Dr. Jones founded the Greater Peace Community Development Corporation (GPCDC) a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Through the GPCDC the following activities have been created: Youth Leadership Academy; A Child Development Center; A STEM afterschool program; A Summer Education Enrichment Program (S.E.E.P.); An Adult Education (GED) Program; The Construction of Jordan’s Gate, 48 three and four-bedroom affordable Housing Community for low-moderate income families cost totaling over $9.3 million; and obtained a $77,000 grant from USDA-Rural Development to develop a Farmers Market and Community Gardens.

Dr. Jones serves on numerous boards in several capacities and has received countless awards and recognitions. He is a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. He serves as President of the Southeast Alabama State Missionary Baptist Convention, President of the Alabama Association of Community Development Corporations, President of the Greater Peace Community Development Corporation, President of Lee County Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) Board, He is a member of the East Alabama Food Bank Advisory Board, Salvation Army Board, Mercy Medical Clinic Board, He is President of the 100 Black Men of Greater Auburn/Opelika, served on the Boys and Girls Club Advisory Board, The Children Policy Council, and the Owens Center Counseling Board.

He is married to Lillie and they have two children and two grandchildren. He enjoys fishing, golf, listening to classical music and helping people.