Remembering My Son, LaTroy “Treezy” Jones, Jr.
My son, LaTroy Jones, Jr., known as Troy and “Treezy,” was born on July 21, 1993, in New Castle, Indiana. On September 4, 2024, he lost his life in a car crash in Orlando, Florida. He was only 31 years old. There is so much more I wish I could have shared with him, and so much life I wish he still had ahead of him.
To me, he was my son, my Bubba Bean. To others, he was a father, brother, grandson, uncle, cousin, and friend. Each of us knew and loved him in our own way, and each of us carries a different part of his story. Together, those memories speak to the heart of who Troy was: someone with so much love to give.
Troy had the biggest heart, and he wore it on his sleeve. He cared deeply about people. He loved the Lord; he was a listener; someone others could turn to when they needed to talk. He had a way of giving advice that made people feel heard and supported. Even those who knew him only a little could recognize the light he brought into their lives.
One of the most important parts of Troy’s life was being a father. His son, Prince, and his daughter, Bella, will always be part of the love he leaves behind. His generous heart also reached beyond his own children. There were other children he cherished like a father, and their place in his heart mattered, too. That willingness to love and care for children says so much about him.
Troy and his sister Cynthia were two peas in a pod since birth. Their bond was a special part of his life and our family. His dad, Eddie, and I miss him deeply, as do His Gma, Sisters, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends all lost someone precious.
As his mother, it is difficult to put this loss into words. How do you explain the space your child leaves behind? How do you describe loving someone just as much as ever while learning to live without their physical presence? I am still his mom. I still want to talk about him, say his name, and share who he was with people who never had the chance to meet him.
My faith gives me comfort as I carry this grief. I believe Troy is with the Lord, and I hold close the words we shared in his obituary: “Bubba Bean, you are with the Lord now, with a brand-new body, and feet.” Those words hold a personal meaning and tenderness that will always belong to him and to those who love him.
A roadside marker would give our family a place to honor Troy’s memory. For someone driving past, it may be a brief glimpse of a name. For us, that name holds 31 years of life, relationships, and love. I hope people who see his marker will pause in their hearts and recognize that someone deeply loved died there.
I also hope it reminds drivers to be careful and attentive. Every person traveling a road matters to someone. Every safe arrival home is precious. If Troy’s marker encourages someone to take greater care, that would mean so much to our family.
Most of all, I want Troy to be remembered for his heart, his kindness, and the love he gave. His life mattered. His children matter. His memory will always have a place in our family.
Troy, my Bubba Bean, you are forever loved and forever missed. I will always be grateful to be your mom.
With all my love,
Mom, Cheryl
