City of Jackson dedicates new computer lab at T.R. White Sportsplex
JACKSON, Tenn. – The City of Jackson Recreation and Parks Department dedicated a new computer lab at T.R. White Sportsplex in honor of Mrs. Loretta Jean Kirkendoll Jones, an educator for the Jackson Community for 30 years.
“This lab will allow children attending summer camp a place to continue their studies over summer break in a fun way, as well as an opportunity for the community at large to utilize the lab to meet their needs, whether it be resume writing, submitting applications, or printing off important documents,” said Jackson Recreation and Parks Department Director Tony Black. “We also plan to offer computer classes for all ages.”
The learning lab includes 15 desktop computers as well as 1 computer with presenter/instructor capabilities that links to a projector. All computers have desks and the ability to print and headphones available for use.
“This computer lab will be an asset to the students who will be utilizing its services. I want to thank Tony Black and his Recreation and Parks department team for making this a reality,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “We are all excited to dedicate this new computer lab in honor of one Mrs. Jones.”
About Mrs. Loretta Jean Kirkendoll Jones
Mrs. Jones served the Jackson community as an educator for thirty (30) plus years. Her parents were the late Bishop Chester Arthur Kirkendoll and Alice Elizabeth Singleton Kirkendoll. Bishop Kirkendoll served as President of Lane College from 1950 to 1970.
Being raised in the home of a college President and Bishop of the CME church; the value and importance of education was instilled in her at an early age. Significantly, more importantly, Bishop Kirkendoll instilled in all of his children a strong belief in God, along with service to God and humanity. These values were the bedrock of young Loretta’s foundation and served as a guiding principle throughout her life. She attended Merry High School graduating in 1961 in the top ten of her class.
Mrs. Jones attended Lane College where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education. She furthered her education at the then Memphis State University now known as The University of Memphis where she received her Master’s Degree in Education. Mrs. Jones began her teaching career in the Memphis City School System teaching French. She left the Memphis School System, accepting employment in the Jackson City School System.
One of the greatest joys in her professional career was accepting a job to teach at her high school alma mater Merry High. In 1971, Merry High consolidated with Jackson High and the new school was named Jackson Central-Merry and she continued to teach at Jackson Central-Merry until retirement. Mrs. Jones was known as a very serious, no nonsense instructor who garnered respect from her teaching peers and students alike. Mrs. Jones taught Typing, Accounting, Vocational Office Education, and Computer Science. She was actively involved in the Office Education Association. Her affiliation with that organization afforded her the opportunity to have her students participate in various nationwide vocational competitions.
Mrs. Jones was an encourager and she encouraged her students to work hard and achieve. She motivated them to develop and showcase their skills. She exposed her students to a wider worldview and wanted them to think and dream big. She was married to Mr. Willie Jones a former teacher and school Principal who was a renowned educator in his own rights. Their contribution as a couple in the field of education greatly impacted the youth throughout the Jackson community for many years.
Mrs. Jones was an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She was the founding creator of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. local chapter’s Miss Vogue and Mr. Esquire Scholarship Pageant. Mrs. Jones was also an active member of The Jackson (TN) Chapter Links, Incorporated, where she was instrumental in the creation of the chapter’s Beautillion Pageant. Mrs. Jones is the proud parent of twins Ms. Angela Jones and Mr. Anthony “Van” Jones. Mrs. Loretta Jean Kirkendoll Jones provided a very rich legacy of dedication and service to educating the youth of Jackson, Tennessee.