Dr. Velma Jones Obituary in Memphis at R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home

Obituary For Dr. Velma Jones

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.

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I was a student of Dr. Jones, she was truly a great teacher. Her words of wisdom and guidance will live with me forever. I appreciate meeting and learning from this beautiful brilliant soul. I thank God for the best teacher I've ever had. She not only taught school, but she was a teacher of life as well. Rest in paradise Dr Velma Jones. Kortney Hullom

Dr. Velma Jones took care of me when I attended The University of Tennessee. She encouraged me to stay focused on the Lord when I began my first teaching assignment at Bearden Middle School in Knoxville. Whenever I entered my classroom, I touched every desk and said a prayer for each student. All of the awards I received in my educational career emanated from Dr. Velma Jones' kindness, love, and wisdom. I give all the glory to Dr. Velma Jones and our mighty GOD! Donna Mara Hardy

I loved Ms. Jones and worked with her at Kirby High school . Such a great teacher and role model for younger teachers. May God bless this family. Barbara House Williams

Thank you Auntie for taking me through what fasting was. My 1st fast was with you. My first shout dance was in your basement you may not have known. That's what that fast presented to me was me turning my life to Christ as a teenager. THANK YOU for being a living example!!

Barry and Latricia Pelt

Dr. Velma Jones was an beautiful lady who I loved and admired. She was my Auntie, but she almost felt like my Grandmother offering words of advice and wisdom nuggets to me and my husband as well. We just celebrated 30 years married and I believed she helped that along. We will always hold you dear in our memories and in our hearts. Fly beautiful butterfly because now your free..... Latricia and Barry Pelt & Family ❤️

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home | Memphis, TN