“Rest well, bye Momma Jones.”
Those were the emotional words uttered as Selma High School cafeteria staff, administrators and family members bid farewell to the iconic Gloria Jean Jones on Friday morning. Jones served Selma City Schools for approximately 50 years and fed thousands of students, their parents, and grandparents in a fulfilled life as a part of Selma’s fabric and the Child Nutrition Program in Selma City Schools.
She tragically passed away late this winter from complications related to the COVID-19 virus.
“Momma fed me as a student and when I came back as principal, she fed me to the day she left here, she’s going to be missed by the faculty and staff here at Selma High Schools,” said Selma High principal Stoney Pritchett.
Pritchett, CNP Director Aelia Adams, SHS Cafeteria Manager Sabrina Scott, a plethora of coworkers and her daughter Janice Simms recalled stories and precious memories of a person dedicated to her profession, children, and the people she worked with. Every one of them called her “momma” at the onset of their remarks.
“She was my second momma,” said coworker Mark Joe as he recanted times of tribulation and indecision where she could detect it and offer help without his solicitation. “There were times I needed to talk to her about things personal, she was there for me, she kept it solid,” he added, choking back tears.
Others reminisced in a similar manner, adding she had the ability to bring wisdom, spiritual guidance, and much needed laughter to the workplace environment.
Adams encouraged everyone to carry on striving for excellence in her name and to keep her memories as inspiration. Sims, her daughter, expressed how special the day and act was for her and her family.
“It was magnificent; it gives me so much joy to know she made a difference in their lives. I can truly say my mom loved Selma High School, she loved her coworkers, and the students. She did whatever it took to put a smile on someone’s face and in their hearts. She said always go in to work as it is day one and give your best every day,” said Sims.
The celebration concluded with a release of balloons in the school colors of Columbia blue and yellow gold and a resounding, “We will see you again.”
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