The MTSU community mourns the passing of Mrs. Rebecca Jones, widow of the late Jennings A. Jones, namesake of the College of Business.
Mrs. Jones died Thursday at age 99.
Mrs. Jones and her late husband were well known for their philanthropic efforts through the Jennings and Rebecca Jones Foundation, a charitable foundation established in 1986 that has funded numerous nonprofit initiatives throughout the community as well as collaborated with MTSU.
MTSU President Sidney McPhee issued the following statement of condolences:
“Rebecca Jones was a dear friend to Middle Tennessee State University and her family’s involvement and support will have asubstantial and lasting impact upon our institution.
“Jennings and Rebecca Jones, along with their family foundation, made more than $1.8 million in gifts to the university. Their contributions have established two Chairs of Excellence, created and supported a K-12 education program and a reading academy, and supported programs as diverse as our College of Business and our historic printing press.
“It was their desire to positively impact future generations of MTSU students that led Mr. and Mrs. Jones to establish two of MTSU’s first endowed Chairs of Excellence – one in Free Enterprise and the other in Urban and Regional Planning. The two Jones Chairs have allowed MTSU to attract a wide array of academic, government and civic leaders to fill these important and unique educational positions.
“Jennings Jones, the namesake of our College of Business, was a true civic leader. In 2005, we also mourned his passing. At all times, Rebecca, his wife and partner, joined Jennings in making this community and our university better.”
James Burton, dean of the Jennings A. Jones College ofBusiness, issued the following statement:
“The Dean, faculty and staff of the Jennings A. Jones College of Business at MTSU are deeply saddened by the passing of Mrs. Rebecca Jones, wife of the college namesake and dear friend and benefactor of the college.
“Through both their philanthropy and their direct interest and involvement, Mr. and Mrs. Jones had been an integral part of the Jones College of Business for many years. A regular participant in conferences and seminars sponsored by the college, Mrs. Jones was always well informed about current events and very supportive of educational initiatives at all levels.
“Mrs. Jones remained quite vibrant and involved until recent health issues prevented her participation.
“Not only were Mr. and Mrs. Jones extraordinary benefactors to the college, they were dearpersonal friends and mentors. As with Jennings, Rebecca will be greatly missed by the Jones College family and especially by me.”
Graveside services for Mrs. Jones will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be at noon Saturday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel until the time of graveside services.
Memorials may be made to Linebaugh Library, the Jesse C. Beesley Foundation Program or the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring. Woodfin Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. |
Email
Print
Digg
Facebook
StumbleUpon
Google
Yahoo!