By Portia A. Scott (www.atlantadailyworld.com)
A packed house filled the Warren Memorial United Church on Tuesday, March 1, at 11 a.m. to pay tribute to Sylvia Ann Lee Jones. She was remembered for her love of education, children, family, community and church, and praised as a virtuous woman who knew how to live, love and smile.
Born in Atlanta, she was the older of two daughters born to the late Melvin Lee and Mary Elizabeth Lee on Nov. 5, 1934. A graduate of Booker T. Washington High School in 1952 and Clark College in 1956, with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Sylvia Jones earned a Master’s of Education and certification in instructional supervision from Atlanta University and enjoyed a long career in education.
She married her singing sweetheart, Theodore R. Jones, in June 1956, and to this union a son and daughter were born, Theodore Vincent and Joyce DeLise. The couple sang as a duo and operated “Elegant Details,” a wedding business, with Carol Wesley, who reflected that the deceased had many talents. Wesley praised Sylvia Jones as a virtuous woman who enjoyed mentoring young teachers. “She had a lifelong career in the educational arena,”said Wesley, who also remembered the deceased as “a caring mother, devoted daughter, loving sister, and a good niece to all of her other relatives.”
She loved to travel with her family and loved Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., where she headed up the Ebony Fashion Show for many years. She also had was a member of the Vallahacha Community, the National Alliance of Black Educators, and the Business Partnership Program for the Atlanta Public Schools. She was an all- around athlete, Booker T. Washington High School queen, Clark College Elected Queen, Who’s Who Among Students at Clark College and a Distinguished Leader in Atlanta Public Schools.
Dot Blue, who identified herself as a colleague and friend, said Jones was a phenomenal woman and trailblazer. She praised her as “an outstanding educator that touched many lives.” A former teacher at Grove Park Elementary School, where Sylvia Jones was principal, Blue recalled how well-dressed and elegant the Jones was, and how she went out of her way to achieve excellence. “She wanted the best for her faculty and staff,” Blue added.
“She knew how to say ‘thank you’ and got the whole community involved.” Blue also praised her humor, love for life and children, and her
strong voice as attributes that helped Jones to succeed.
Rev. Wimberly Hale Jr., who said he enjoyed ministering this family while at Warren, shared words of comfort and gave a true understanding of death.
Rev. Yvette Massey, a former pastor of Warren and now the senior pastor at Red Oak Methodist Church, said the deceased’s smile was so pure and powerful that she touched us all. She said how Sylvia Jones was no stranger to trouble or trials and tribulations, because she had been through the loss of her mother and sister, her husband’s sickness, and yet she stayed positive and never charged for her services. “She had a smile that could get you through and a love that could lift the lowest head. She leaves a strong and good legacy and her love and memories will stay with us always,” concluded Massey.
Jones began her teaching profession at John Hope Elementary School, creating a passion to inspire young minds to be their best. Driven by excellence she progressed to become an Area III Resource teacher, an assistant principal at Brown High School and retired after 11 years of service as principal at Grove Park Elementary School. During her 36 years with the Atlanta Public Schools, she touched the lives of many and was honored many times with Certificates of Merit for her dedication to serve children.
Sylvia Lee Jones is survived by her husband, Theodore R. Jones; son, Theodore Vincent Jones; daughter, Joyce Lee Jones; grandchildren John F. Wilson Jr. and Jasmine S. Wilson, who lit a Candle of Remembrance to honor the deceased, and several nieces, uncles and aunts. Jones was preceded in death by her father, Melvin Lee, mother, Mary Elizabeth Lee and sister, Betty Lee Pearson.
Murray Brothers Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements, with interment held at Lincoln Cemetery.
A repast at the church followed the burial, and music was furnished by organist David Stills.