Henrico Black History Month Spotlight – Warner Magajar Jones, Sr.
In honor of February as Black History Month, the Henrico Citizen will spotlight (on each weekday during the month) an important current or former Black resident of Henrico whose life has helped shape the county.
Warner Magajar Jones Sr., a longtime Henrico County educator and respected guardian of local history, left a lasting imprint on generations of students and on the county’s understanding of its own past.
Known affectionately as “Henrico County’s historian,” Jones devoted more than four decades to education while championing the preservation of Black history and the legacy of pioneering educators in Central Virginia.
Born Jan. 25, 1912, in Henrico County, Jones was the son of William Franklin Jones and Josie Selina King. He received his early education at Coal Pit School, a two-room schoolhouse in the Francistown area of the Brookland District. His academic path later led him to Virginia Randolph High School, where he was personally inspired by educator Virginia Estelle Randolph, whose influence shaped his lifelong commitment to teaching and historical preservation.
Jones went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in history from Virginia Union University in 1939 and later received a master’s degree from Virginia State University. He also completed postgraduate work at the University of Virginia, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, reflecting his deep scholarly interests and dedication to learning.
After completing his education, Jones began what would become a more than 40-year career with Henrico County Public Schools.
Serving as a teacher, assistant principal and principal, he became known not only for his command of history and government but also for his belief in education as a vehicle for character development. During an era marked by segregation and social upheaval, Jones emphasized perseverance, integrity and civic responsibility, lessons that former students said extended well beyond the classroom.
As school integration reshaped public education, Jones emerged as a strong advocate for preserving the legacy of Virginia Randolph. When discussions arose about removing her name from a county school, he fought to ensure it remained, arguing that honoring her achievements was essential to understanding the county’s educational heritage.
Outside the classroom, Jones contributed to civic life through his involvement in numerous local organizations. He served on the boards or committees of the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, the Virginia Randolph Foundation, the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee, the Association for the Preservation of Henrico Antiquities and the Henrico Historical Society. He was also a member of Abner Baptist Church in Hanover County.
In 2000, Jones received the Henrico County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Association’s “Walking History Millenium Award,” recognizing a lifetime spent promoting education, civil rights history and historical awareness.
Jones, who was married to Carol Elizabeth Carney Jones and was the father of four children, died Sept. 8, 2005, and is buried in the Jones Family Cemetery in Glen Allen. The Virginia General Assembly later honored him with a formal resolution recognizing his contributions as a scholar, teacher and community leader.
