The publication is reproduced in full below:
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.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 114(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 114(2)
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