Dr. Velma Wallace Jones, class of 1964 at Memphis State, was part of the Memphis Eight. She passed on 21 Jan. 2021. I am her daughter Rosslyn. In honor of her memory. I am posting her story, so that others will know they had a "Quiet Legend amongst them in the Tri-State area. Dr. Velma ´´Tootsie Wootsie´´ Wallace Jones, age 78, was born on July 25, 1942, in Memphis, TN to the late Sidney T. Wallace Sr, and Rachel Holden. Giving her life to Christ at an early age, she became a member of Moldentown COGIC. Later, she joined the Temple of Deliverance COGIC under the leadership of Bishop G.E. Patterson. The Manassas Public School would serve as her place of education from Elementary to High School. Pursuing her goals, she would attend Memphis State University during the segregation period, in 1960, being the first set of African-Americans to enter and matriculate and achieve her Masters, majoring in Education and Secondary Education. Leading the way, in 1963 Dr Velma Wallace Jones became a Charter Member of Epsilon Kappa Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Upon meeting Arthur Ross Jones Sr. while teaching at Booker T. Washington High School, they would later marry. To this union was born three beautiful children. She continued to forge ahead during desegregation to integration of the school system and began teaching at Central High School, from 1970-71. Later moving to Knoxville, TN she attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, attaining her Doctorate degree in Education. Where they would reside until 1982, relocating back to Memphis. Wielding a remarkable talent for teaching, she instructed students while regarding them as her own children. Being an inspiration to many, she was a stunning witness to others for the Lord. Dr. Jones departed this life on Thursday, January 21, 2021. She will be cherished by her daughters Rachelle J. Jones and Rosslyn (Carlos) Herrera of Memphis, TN; and sons, Arthur R. ´´Rossi´´ Jones Jr. of Knoxville TN; VaShaun Jones of Kentucky; son Yong (Helen) Lin of New York; sisters Geraldine Reamey and Margaret Seawood of Memphis, TN; granddaughters Jasmine N. Jones, of Nashville TN; Oshia R. Evans of Memphis TN; Alexandria R. Jones of Washington, DC; Ruth E. Herrera of Memphis TN; grandson Shaun-Ross Q. Evans of Memphis, TN; great grandchildren Darius and Serenity Valentine both of Memphis, TN, She was preceded in death by her dear parents and brother, Sidney T. Wallace Jr. Velma W. Jones was a quiet legend that needs to be heard. She shared her gifts to the world as an educator, motivational speaker, and advocate for change, and a published author. She believed that every generation builds a platform for the next generation to stand on.

A public viewing is scheduled for January 29, 2021 from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. and service of celebration Saturday January 30, 2021 10 a.m. all at R. S. Lewis and Sons Funeral Home 2944 Walnut Grove Rd.