[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 20 (Friday, February 8, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E115]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF RITA EIKA JONES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, February 8, 2013

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
life and service of Northwest Florida's beloved Rita Eika Jones, who 
passed away on February 1, 2013. Throughout her long and distinguished 
career in education and civil service, Rita Eika Jones served as a 
mentor and an inspiration to countless individuals throughout Northwest 
Florida. The loss of a great woman and unparalleled public servant is 
felt not only here at home, but across the state of Florida.
   Ms. Jones was a lifelong resident of the Panhandle and began her 
commitment to the Lord at twelve years of age, receiving confirmation 
at St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church. Ms. Jones inherently understood that 
education is the key to success and she spent the majority of her 
professional career passing her knowledge on to her students. An 
alumnus of Booker T. Washington High School's class of 1948, Ms. Jones 
furthered her education by obtaining a mathematics education degree at 
Bethune-Cookman University. With a passion for learning and a thirst 
for knowledge, she continued to develop her edification by attaining 
advanced degrees from a myriad of universities. She earned a graduate 
degree from Northwestern University and Harvard University, as well as 
a doctorate degree from Florida State University in design and 
management of elementary and secondary schools. While completing the 
course work for her doctorate degree, Ms. Jones studied administration 
and supervision at Florida A&M University, community school research 
and small business at the University of West Florida, finance at Clyde 
Gore Real Estate School, and mathematics and computer technology at 
Case Institute of Technology.
   Ms. Jones' fervor for teaching and bettering the lives of others led 
her to Escambia County School District, where she served with 
unwavering dedication as an educator, principal and supervisor for 
forty-one years, and as a Pensacola City Councilwoman for two terms. 
Devoting herself wholeheartedly to her profession, she played an active 
role in improving the school district through staff development, 
student recognition and achievement, needs assessment, annual report 
planning and writing and several other key areas.
   Northwest Florida, the Escambia County School District, and the many 
students whose lives were touched by Ms. Jones, mourn the loss of a 
kind and devoted woman. Her contributions and service to the community 
and this great Nation will forever be remembered.
   Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am 
privileged to honor the exemplary life of Ms. Rita Eika Jones. My wife 
Vicki and I offer our prayers to her entire family and friends. She 
will be truly missed by all.

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