Bill Text: MS HR81 | 2014 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Mrs. Lavaree Jones; commending the life and legacy upon the passing of.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)
Status: (Passed) 2014-03-29 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HR81 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2014-HR81-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2014 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Clarke, Coleman (65th)
House Resolution 81
(As Adopted by House)
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE, LEGACY AND PIONEERING SERVICE OF MRS. LAVAREE "JOHNETTA" JONES AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HER PASSING.
WHEREAS, Mrs. Lavaree Jones, the first African-American female realtor and appraiser in the State of Mississippi, departed this earthly life at the age of 66 causing great sorrow and pain to her family and many friends; and
WHEREAS, a native of Panther Burn, Mississippi, Mrs. Jones who was affectionately known as "Johnetta," was born on December 2, 1947, to her loving parents, Leroy and Lavaree Jones, who reared her, along with her seven siblings in Christian love; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Jones, who spent most of her childhood in Hollandale, Mississippi, but graduated from Calumet High School in Chicago, Illinois, in 1966, continued her education at Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas; Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, California; and Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, as one with an innovative spirit, Mrs. Jones, in 1973, began her historical and pioneering journey into real estate and subsequently became the first African-American female realtor and the first African-American female appraiser of the state, thereby opening the door for hundreds of other African Americans to pursue a career in real estate and appraisal; and
WHEREAS, due to her vast experiences as an appraiser and realtor, Mrs. Jones was actively involved in the economic development of the City of Jackson and her services were utilized in the following areas: development of the Jackson State Metro Parkway (2001), the County Line Road widening and alignment (2005), the Jackson State University expansion and the widening of Lakeland Drive; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Jones, who set the bar in her field, practiced real estate for over 30 years until her health declined; served as a role model for countless individuals in her field, also served as an appraiser and expert witness in 2002 in the Nissan eminent domain case in Madison County, which was highly publicized; and
WHEREAS, as an expert in the areas of appraisal and real estate, Mrs. Jones' knowledge was a leading force in the real estate community, and as a result, she served on Governor Ray Mabus' Task Force on Housing, which speaks volumes of the knowledge and expertise that she held in the area of housing; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Jones also served as the President of the Mississippi Association of Real Estate Brokers and held leadership positions in a variety of real estate organizations, some of which include the following: Regional Vice President of Region XII, member of the National Board of Directors for the National Association of Real Estate Brokers; Local Board President of the Mississippi Association of Real Estate Brokers; National Secretary for the National Society of Real Estate Appraisers and board chairman for the Hinds County Private Industry Council; and WHEREAS, in addition to her service in the areas of real estate and appraisal, Mrs. Jones was a civic leader and warrior who championed for justice and equality for the community by taking actions early in her career, such as working for Friends of Children Head Start Program of Jackson and by being a vocal advocate in the Civil Rights Movement; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Jones also, in her civic leadership, in 1978, was one of the first charter members and the first Vice President of Women for Progress and she served as Secretary for Queen Ester Court 172-Heroines of Jericho, Vice President of the Repertory Theatre of Mississippi, Inc., and Secretary and Political Action Chair of the Valley North Improvement Association;
WHEREAS, going hand in hand with her civic leadership, Mrs. Jones was also a political force who vied for a position as Ward 2 City Councilperson in Jackson in 1989 and 1997, and although she was unsuccessful in her attempts, she nonetheless remained a positive reinforcement on the political process; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Jones was also a driving force in changing the form of city government within the City of Jackson, having worked closely with Henry Kirksey in that effort, and she later became a member of the Hinds County Democratic Executive Committee in which she served as the chairperson of the campaign committee and she served as the party development chair for the Hinds County and State of Mississippi Democratic Party; and
WHEREAS, additionally, Mrs. Jones was a member of the Hinds County Democratic Federation of Women, Jackson Municipal Democratic Executive Committee and the State Democratic Executive Committee; and
WHEREAS, a true highlight of Mrs. Jones' many political activities, is when she attended the 2008 Democratic National Convention as a delegate in support of then presidential candidate, Barack Obama, who went on to become the first African-American President of this great country; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Jones, who was a Christian and member of Farish Street Baptist Church of Jackson, Mississippi; was lovingly supported in her endeavors by her two successful children, Brian and Funmilayo; two wonderful grandsons, Mylo and Brandon; three delightful granddaughters, Eboni, Amber and Chenzira and one vibrant great grandson, Zayden; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to pay tribute to a great Mississippian such as Lavaree Jones whose pioneering spirit has positively forever changed the field of real estate and whose selfless civic service and political contributions will be treasured for generations to come:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life and legacy of Mrs. Lavaree "Johnetta" Jones, and extend deepest sympathy to her many family and friends upon her passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mrs. Lavaree Jones and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
