[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 44 (Wednesday, March 30, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S1973]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING WILLIE JONES

 Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I would like to bring to the 
attention of the Senate today the noble service of a great American 
from the State of Alabama. It is with sadness that I speak about Willie 
Jones, the director of the Cleveland Avenue YMCA, who passed away 
suddenly last week in Montgomery, AL. Willie was 55 years of age.
  Willie was a true leader in the Montgomery community. As a teenager, 
he began working with the Cleveland Avenue YMCA as an aquatic 
instructor. He worked his way up to senior vice-president of the 
organization in Montgomery. Make no mistake, the Montgomery YMCA is one 
of the greatest ``Y's'' in the country and has been for many years.
  He served on the Montgomery Housing Authority Board of Directors and 
the Montgomery County Recreation Commission. He was a man of deep 
religious faith, being active with the Mount Zion African Methodist 
Episcopal Zion Church. This faith, I believe, was the key factor in his 
positive outlook on life and his love for his fellow man.
  Willie Jones loved people and they loved him. His constant motive was 
to help others and the primary vehicle for his life of service was the 
``Y.'' Few people were better known in Montgomery--from the poor young 
person needing a chance to the city's top executives and political 
leaders. They all knew him, admired him, and loved him.
  For more than 40 years, Willie devoted his life to public service, 
leaving a positive imprint on the lives of countless Alabama youths.
  I know how valuable the programs he worked so hard for have been for 
the young people of Montgomery. Time and time again, lives have been 
directed on a course to success as a result of the personal 
relationships and care demonstrated by Willie and his team.
  It was a tremendous joy seeing Willie work with kids. He gave them 
opportunities at the YMCA, instilling in them a sense of hope and the 
knowledge that they could make a difference, both in their own lives 
and in the lives of others.
  Willie was often quoted as saying ``This isn't about Willie Jones; 
it's about the kids at the YMCA.'' Indeed he was an inspiration.
  I had the great privilege to know Willie personally. He visited my 
office here in Washington many times over the years. I witnessed Willie 
in action--he was a man with a giant heart, and it showed on the 
expressions of folks who would light up when he entered a room.
  Willie touched the lives of so many, and he will be sorely missed. 
Mary and I extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, the Jones family, 
and to the Montgomery community. He was too young to leave us. There 
was more to do. But, his life was full and complete. He fulfilled his 
mission with purity and purpose, in accord with the will of his Lord. 
His life honored his Maker. Would that we all could live so well. May 
his life be an example for those of us who continue to serve in public 
office.

                          ____________________