LORIS JEWELL JONES

  Loris Jewell Jones passed away peacefully on September 17, 2024. Loris was born in Chicago, IL on December 24, 1926, to Robert B. Vincson and Rebecca L. Vincson. At an early age, her family moved to Kansas City, KS where Loris became a life‑long educator, human rights advocate, champion of social and civil rights, and caregiver. Loris was a lifelong member of Metropolitan Baptist Church in Kansas City, KS where her father served as an assistant Pastor beginning in the 1930’s. She was the church historian for many years, documenting the long and distinguished contributions of the church to the Kansas City and religious communities.

Educator and Teacher

Education was central to the life of Loris Jones. She attended Sumner School and later Pittsburgh State University.   Loris taught at Grant Elementary and Mark Twain Elementary Schools retiring in 1990. She delighted in educating young people always seeking creative lessons to inspire learning. Loris taught many of her family’s children and encouraged them to take advantage of all educational opportunities.

Advocacy and Civil Rights

Politics was in her blood. Loris followed in the footsteps of her mother. Loris was a champion of human rights and has been a staunch supporter of the local, state, and the national NAACP. Chairing and participated in voter education and registration and election forums.  She was a lifelong member of the NAACP.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Mu Omega Chapter NAACP

In 2024, Loris was honored as a Diamond Soror representing 75 Years of Membership. Soror Jones was initiated in 1949 through the Beta Nu Chapter at Pittsburgh State University. She has been a long-time member associated with Mu Omega Chapter and has supported many programs associated with Justice, Democracy, Equality and Inclusion. Soror Jones served many years as the Mu Omega Chapter Connection Committee Chairman.  Because of this position, she was also a member of the Mu Omega Chapter's Executive Committee. She stayed abreast on elections and issues going on in Kansas City, the state of Kansas the US Government and the NAACP. In 2015, she received the Hero Award for years of service from KCK NAACP Branch.

Named for her mother’s advocacy legacy, Loris served as vice-president helping guide the Rebecca Vincson Federation of Women’s Democratic Club.  This organization continues advocating for civil and voting rights.  Loris, along with family and friends worked in the now expired battered women’s division of the Federation to help women experiencing domestic violence find safety and support to rebuild their lives.

Loris took great pride in her appearance. She always looked stylish from head to toe. In short, she was a clothes horse.  One of her favorite activities, which she shared with her husband, before his death, was eating out (Jack Stack was her favorite barbeque) and then go walking through the mall (she said this was her form of exercise).  All the while shopping for the latest fashions. St. John was her favorite designer.

Those of you who knew Loris, recognized she had strong opinions and was not shy in telling you. Even though she quickly let you know what she thought, Loris displayed her compassion and caregiver in numerous arenas. She lovingly cared for her family members, including her aunt, mother, mother-in-law, neighbors and husband, Henry Jones.

Loris’ memory and good deeds will be cherished by her community, family, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry J. Jones, and son, Henry V. Jones. She leaves behind, cousins Janette Hopkins, and Lee Roy Pitts, niece, Jacquelyn Vincson, a great niece and nephew.

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