Memphis Celebrates Legacy with Bench Dedication for Velma Lois Jones
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – This past Saturday, the city was abuzz with a sense of pride and community spirit as the Phi Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated gathered to celebrate a remarkable figure in history, Ms. Velma Lois Jones. Sorority members, friends, family, and community members came together for a touching bench dedication and unveiling ceremony in her honor.
A Salute to Service and Leadership
Ms. Jones has certainly made her mark. As a former International Parliamentarian for Alpha Kappa Alpha, the 13th South Eastern Regional Director, and notably, the first woman elected as President of the NAACP Memphis Branch, her contributions to society are hard to overlook. She carved out a path not just for herself but for many young women and men in the community. Her achievements serve as an inspiration and are a source of pride for the residents of Memphis.
More than just a leader, Ms. Jones devoted her life to education. As a dedicated teacher for the Memphis City Schools, she had a profound impact on countless students. Her leadership extended beyond the classroom; she served on the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and made history as the first African American teacher to be elected President of the Tennessee Education Association. These feats are a testament to her tireless work ethic and commitment to education.
Community Coming Together
The bench dedication was not just a ceremony, but a community event filled with reminiscences and shared stories about Ms. Jones’s life and accomplishments. As guests arrived, you could feel the nostalgia in the air, and many took turns expressing how Ms. Jones had touched their lives personally. “You could find Ms. Jones in the classrooms, at community events, and everywhere in between, rallying people together and pushing us all to achieve our best,” shared a former colleague.
“She believed in us, sometimes more than we believed in ourselves,” another attendee added. It wasn’t just a tribute of her accomplishments; it was an acknowledgment of her character and the warmth that she brought to everything she did.
A Place to Reflect
The bench itself symbolizes more than just a physical object; it’s a space for reflection, remembrance, and inspiration. Located in a picturesque area that allows for quiet contemplation, it serves as an invitation for everyone to sit, pause, and reflect on the values that Ms. Jones championed — leadership, education, and community service.
The dedication was marked by a ceremonial unveiling and plenty of heartfelt speeches. Sorority members adorned the bench with flowers while recalling Ms. Jones’s infectious laughter and spirited advocacy for education and justice. It’s clear that her legacy is one of love, dedication, and resilience.
A Continuing Legacy
The event reminded everyone involved that the work Ms. Jones accomplished continues to influence the community today. From her tenure on the LeMoyne-Owen College Board of Trustees to being the longest-serving National Alumni President in her organization’s history, she always aimed to uplift others. The dedication not only honored her remarkable legacy but also encouraged those present to carry forward her work.
In a world that can often be divided, gatherings like this showcase the power of unity and remembrance. It inspires individuals to look up to leaders like Velma Jones and strive to emulate her passion for making a difference.
Final Thoughts
As the sun set over Memphis, glowing hues painted the sky, reflecting the warmth and love shared between all attendees of this beautiful ceremony. The bench stands firm as a reminder of what one individual can achieve and how they can inspire an entire community. Ms. Velma Lois Jones may be gone, but her spirit, teachings, and values will continue to resonate within the hearts of those she touched.
For residents of Memphis and beyond, the dedication of this bench is a call to action: to remember our heroes, to strive for justice, and to uplift each other in all our endeavors.
