[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 18 (Wednesday, February 6, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF DELEGATE CHRISTINE M. JONES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DONNA F. EDWARDS

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 6, 2013

  Ms. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and 
service of Christine M. Jones, a resident of Temple Hills in the Fourth 
Congressional District of Maryland. She unexpectedly passed from this 
life on January 26, 2013. As her funeral service is this coming Friday 
at Bethlehem Baptist Church on Martin Luther King Avenue in Southeast 
Washington, DC, I want to remember the legacy Ms. Jones leaves behind.
  Ms. Christine Jones's long and distinguished career served the people 
of Maryland for over 40 years both as a teacher in Prince George's 
County and in the Maryland House of Delegates. Delegate Jones served as 
a mentor and inspiration to countless individuals throughout our state. 
All of Maryland mourns the loss of a great woman and unparalleled 
public servant.
  Delegate Jones was born in Navasota, Texas, on Christmas Day in 1929. 
She graduated from the historically black university, Huston--Tillotson 
University, in Austin, Texas, in 1949 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
  Delegate Jones had a long career as a teacher and educator in the 
Prince George's County Public Schools system and specialized in 
physical education. Just as she lived her life, she stressed service to 
those students that were lucky enough to have her as a teacher and 
mentor.
  After a 30 year career as an educator, Ms. Jones decided to continue 
her public service on behalf of Prince George's County by becoming the 
first African American to represent the County in the Maryland General 
Assembly. She represented the 26th Legislative District in the House of 
Delegates from 1982-1994. Delegate Jones rose to the position of vice 
chairman of the County's delegation and was the first woman to serve as 
chairperson of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland. In her last 
year in office in 1994, she worked as the Assembly's assistant majority 
floor leader. The Legislative Black Caucus recognized Delegate Jones 
for her contributions and service to the state of Maryland and its 
residents in 2010.
  After her time in office, Delegate Jones continued to be active in 
her community through service in political, educational, and religious 
organizations. With her passing, it is my hope that Christine M. Jones 
has found the peace earned from such a wonderful life. Delegate Jones 
made a difference in our community with everything she did, and I am 
grateful for her life and service to Prince George's County, Maryland, 
and our country.
  On behalf of this House, I extend our condolences to her entire 
family, especially her son, Robert E. Jones, Jr., her three 
grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, and the thanks of a 
grateful nation.

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