[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 4 (Wednesday, January 7, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E10]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING DR. ROSE MARIE BRYANT JONES

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. ERIC A. ``RICK'' CRAWFORD

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 7, 2026

  Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of my constituent, Dr. Rose Marie Bryant Jones, a dedicated leader in 
her community and a long-time member of the Republican Party of 
Arkansas, who recently passed away on Friday, December 26, 2025, at the 
age of 83.
  Dr. Jones was born on January 7, 1942. in East Pulaski County, and 
was a true trailblazer throughout her life, known for breaking down 
educational barriers. She graduated from Philander Smith College in 
1963 and subsequently from the University of Arkansas. Dr. Jones was a 
member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and a founding member of the 
African American Coalition of Arkansas.
  She was a schoolteacher in Lonoke County for over 30 years, before 
and after integration, and established tutoring programs across two 
counties in Arkansas. Dr. Jones took great pride in educating and 
influencing the next generation of students in her community.
  Her public service did not stop in the classroom. She served on the 
Lonoke Public School Board and the Lonoke City Council as a pioneer of 
civil rights, with the heart of representing all Lonoke citizens 
through redistricting efforts. In 1998, she ran for the office of 
Arkansas Secretary of State. She was even the President of the Pea 
Ridge Cemetery Board. In 2024, Dr. Jones stepped up again for her 
community and was elected Justice of the Peace in Lonoke County, where 
she continued her storied career in public service.
  She made a lasting impact on all of those who knew her and an 
incredible impression on the 1st Congressional District of Arkansas. 
May her legacy of perseverance and hard work continue to encourage us 
all. Dr. Rose Marie Bryant Jones led a life worth honoring and 
celebrating for her service to her community. I send my prayers and 
sincere condolences to the friends and family of Dr. Jones as they 
grieve her passing.

                          ____________________