[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 12, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E718]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING ROBERT ELROY JONES, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 12, 2022

  Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
life of Robert Elroy Jones, Jr. who entered this world on November 14, 
1971 to proud parents, Dezie Woods-Jones and Robert (Bones) Jones, Sr. 
He was called to his heavenly home through a circle of love on May 20, 
2022.
  Mr. Jones was born in Berkeley, California, and later moved to 
Oakland, California and attended Oakland schools, until returning to 
Berkeley to graduate from high school. He attended Clark Atlanta 
University in Atlanta, Georgia for three years and finished his 
Bachelor of Science degree from Arizona State University.
  He lived and worked in Surprise, Arizona for several years after 
graduation and was blessed to have two wonderful children by his wife 
at the time, Kimberley Sorensen Jones. He loved and adored his 
children, Amani Sorensen Jones and Isaiah ``Z'' Jones.
  Robert Jones, Jr. also loved his church families and was active in 
the Allen Temple Youth Department. He was baptized in 1985 at Allen 
Temple Baptist Church and throughout his lifetime attended St. Paul AME 
Church in Fowler, California; Carter Memorial AME Church in Fresno, 
California; and St. Paul AME Church in Pixley under the pastoral 
leadership of his stepfather, the Reverend Carl L. Jones.
  In addition to Robert's love for his family and the church, was his 
love for the community. He was a coach and athletic trainer and led his 
teams to win several championships. He himself won outstanding coaching 
awards during his career.
  He was passionate about social issues relative to education, 
particularly when it came to the lack of support for teachers. Robert 
was an advocate for the undeserved and those impacted by various social 
determinants of health, like the homeless and those with limited access 
to healthcare. Thanks to his mother, Robert had an early commitment to 
public service and was named the youngest ever Jr. BWOPA Man of the 
Year by the Board, in addition to having the opportunity to work for 
the 2004 National Democratic Convention in Boston, Massachusetts.
  Robert was both an advocate and a fighter, whether through his 
diagnosis at the age of eleven, with Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's 
Disease or his daily perseverance through the pain caused by them, 
while being sure to never complain to others.
  My deepest condolences and prayers go to his family, friends and 
loved ones and my greatest respect and empathy go to my dear friend, 
his mother, Dezie Woods-Jones. I remember Robby as a child and always 
marveled at his maturity and sense of purpose. I know that his impact 
and commitment to the community will continue to be an example to us 
all.
  On behalf of the 13th Congressional District of California, we 
remember with love and admiration, Robert Elroy Jones, Jr., for his 
tireless service and dedication to the community throughout his 
lifetime. May he rest in peace and power.

                          ____________________