Virginia Beach councilman, former mayor Louis Jones dies at 86

Longtime City Council member and former mayor Louis Jones died Saturday. He was 86.

Jones had served on the Virginia Beach City Council for more than 35 years. His death comes in the middle of campaign season for what would have been his ninth term.

Mayor Bobby Dyer said in a statement released Saturday evening that Jones took him under his wing when Dyer joined the City Council in 2004.

“We formed a very strong bond and close friendship,” Dyer said. “Louis was blessed with extraordinary business acumen and the ability to look at a situation, assess it, and cut to the core of the problem. Above all, his talent to inspire people resulted in so many good things for our city over the years.”

Councilwoman Barbara Henley, currently serving her ninth term on the council, said she is still in shock.

“I am in total disbelief. He was our rock. He was always that level spirit that we waited to hear what he was going to say,” Henley said.

Former Mayor Will Sessoms saw Jones, who represented the Bayside district, Saturday morning at an event in Thalia. They discussed Jones’ re-election campaign, Sessoms said. He later heard Jones died while campaigning in the afternoon.

“It’s a loss for the whole city and the council as well,” said Sessoms.

He added that Jones, who owns Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home & Crematory, helped Virginia Beach become the city it is today by championing the Lake Gaston water pipeline project, which was completed in 1997.

“He was a successful businessman himself, and he brought that knowledge to the council,” Sessoms said.

Jones was appointed interim mayor in 2018 when Sessoms resigned. Jones also served as a mayor from 1982-84 and as vice mayor from 2001-18.

Councilwoman Rosemary Wilson worked alongside Jones for roughly 25 years.

“My heart is broken,” Wilson said. “He was my dear friend, and I will really miss him.”

Henley said Jones’ impact on the community left a mark that won’t be forgotten.

“He was a great asset to the city,” she said.

This is a developing story. Check pilotonline.com for updates.

Caitlyn Burchett, 727-267-6059, caitlyn.burchett@virginiamedia.com

Stacy Parker, 757-222-5125, stacy.parker@pilotonline.com