MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2014 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Horhn, Blount, Butler (38th), Chassaniol, Fillingane, Frazier, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Norwood, Stone
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMENDING THE PROFESSIONAL AND CIVIC SERVICE OF REAL ESTATE PIONEER LAVAREE "JOHNETTA" JONES OF JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI.
WHEREAS, Lavaree Jones was born on December 2, 1947, in Panther Burn, Mississippi, to Leroy and Lavaree Jones, the third of eight children. She accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age, later uniting with Farish Street Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Hickman Johnson. Affectionately known as "Johnetta," Lavaree spent her childhood growing up in Hollandale, Mississippi. She attended Simmons High School in Hollandale but later graduated from Calumet High School in Chicago, Illinois, in 1966. She went on to attend Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas; Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, California; and Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, in 1973, Lavaree began her historical journey into real estate, subsequently becoming the first African-American female Realtor and the first African-American female Appraiser in the State of Mississippi. As an Appraiser, Lavaree was actively involved in the economic development of the City of Jackson. Lavaree's strength and intelligence served her well as she opened doors for other African-Americans in Jackson. Her services were utilized for the development of the Jackson State Metro Parkway (2001), the County Line Road widening and alignment (2005), the Jackson State University expansion, and the widening of Lakeland Drive. She served as an Appraiser and expert witness in the highly publicized Nissan eminent domain case in Madison County (2002). She served the State of Mississippi on Governor Ray Mabus' Task Force on Housing. Lavaree cut a path as President of the Mississippi Association of Real Estate Brokers and held leadership positions in real estate organizations on local and national levels. She served as Regional Vice President of Region XII and a member of the National Board of Directors for the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), Local Board President of the Mississippi Association of Real Estate Brokers (MAREB), and the National Secretary for the National Society of Real Estate Appraisers (NSREA). She served as Board Chairman for the Hinds County Private Industry Council. Lavaree practiced real estate for over 30 years until her health began to fail in 2012; and
WHEREAS, Lavaree was a civic warrior, always fighting for justice and equality in the community. She showed fearless tenacity in her efforts to champion for a better environment while advocating for better opportunities for children, pride in homeownership, and fair treatment of all citizens. Early in her career, she worked for Friends of Children Head Start Program in Jackson and was an outspoken advocate in the Civil Rights Movement. In 1978, she became one of the first Charter Members and the first Vice President of Women for Progress, a community improvement organization with focus on political action, education and economic development for the community at large. Lavaree was also a driving force in working with Henry Kirksey to change the form of city government. Lavaree's civic duty expanded to serving as Secretary for Queen Ester Court #172 - Heroines of Jericho; Vice President of the Repertory Theatre of Mississippi, Inc.; and Secretary and Political Action Chair of the Valley North Improvement Association; and
WHEREAS, Lavaree carried her passion for community improvement into the political arena. She vigorously campaigned for the seat of City Council in Ward 2 in 1989 and again in 1997. Although she did not win, she held steadfast to being a positive reinforcement to the political process. She expended considerable energy in supporting local and national democratic political candidates. Lavaree became a member of the Hinds County Democratic Executive Committee (2000), serving as Chairperson of the Campaign Committee and Party Development Chair for the Hinds County and State of Mississippi Democratic Party. She was a member of the Hinds County Democratic Federation of Women, Jackson Municipal Democratic Executive Committee, and the State Democratic Executive Committee. One of the highlights of her life was to attend the 2008 Democratic National Convention as a Delegate in support of then Presidential Candidate Barack Obama. Through the course of her years, Lavaree mentored numerous persons of various ethnicities in real estate, community activism, and local, state and national civics; and
WHEREAS, Lavaree touched many lives and her brilliant mind and humor will be greatly missed. She was preceded in death by her loving mother, Lavaree Jones, and her father, Leroy Jones. She leaves to cherish her memories: son, Brian (Winda) Jones of Salt Lake City, Utah; daughter, Funmilayo Tilden (Kennith Jordan) of Jackson, Mississippi; two grandsons, Mylo Perry and Brandon Jones; three granddaughters: Eboni Revies, Amber Jones and Chenzira Tilden; great-grandson, Zayden Everett; four sisters: Geneva (John) Terry of Rockford, Illinois, Aurelia Jones-Taylor and Mahalia Johnson-Jackson of Clarksdale, Mississippi, and Katherine (Kuante) Johnson-Yu of Moreno Valley, California; three brothers: Leroy (Mary) Jones of Crestview, Florida, Perry (Marilyn) Jones of Jackson, Mississippi, and Quinous Johnson of Jackson, Mississippi; Uncle, Oscar (Armo) Johnson of Chicago, Illinois; two aunts, Naomi Elders of Chicago, Illinois, and Mary Vene Brown of Jackson, Mississippi; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and very close friends; and
WHEREAS, we pay tribute and cherish fondly the memory of this most public spirited citizen of Mississippi and we note with sadness her passing:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commend the professional and civic service of real estate pioneer Lavaree "Johnetta" Jones of Jackson, Mississippi, and extend the sympathy of the Legislature to her surviving family on her passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Lavaree Jones and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.