Mr. Allen William Jones, Sr.

January 4, 1935 – February 13, 2021

Mr. Allen William Jones, Sr. served as an Aldine ISD Trustee for 30 years before entering into eternal rest. Mr. Jones, the first African-American to serve as an Aldine ISD board member, was a lifelong beloved resident of Aldine. He served as a Trustee from 1976, when he was appointed to the board to fill the unexpired term of Trustee Ray Shotwell, until he retired in December of 2006.

During his 30 years of service, Mr. Jones held all four board offices and chaired numerous committees, more than once. He was a strong community leader and public servant, receiving numerous service awards. He was recognized for his work with those who were less fortunate and received the Jefferson Award from Channel 13, which honors Houstonians for their community service.

In February of 2008, the Aldine ISD Board of Trustees honored Mr. Jones for his dedicated service to the district by naming a Pre-K Center and Elementary School in his honor. A.W. Jones Primary School and A.W. Jones Elementary School make up the A.W. Jones Educational Center, located on Forest Point Drive in Humble. All seven of Mr. Jones’ children are Aldine ISD graduates, having earned diplomas from MacArthur High School and Nimitz High School. Mr. Jones was a Carver High School graduate, and he and his wife Bettie left their footprints in the Aldine community as business owners, role models, and outstanding citizens.

Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney fondly remembered her first meeting with Mr. Jones. “I will never forget my first meeting with Mr. A.W. Jones when I was transitioning as the recently named superintendent,” Dr. Goffney said. “I had read about his work on the Aldine ISD Board and visited the schools named for him. I eagerly said yes when he and [current board member] Mr. Steve Mead invited me to lunch at the Humble City Café. His passion for Aldine ISD was evident as he welcomed me and began to share some history. We ended the lunch date with a tour of the Bordersville community and a visit to his local businesses, where I met some members of his beautiful family. Every time I had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Jones or talk to him, one thing was always clear – he loved Aldine ISD.”

Former superintendent Mrs. Nadine Kujawa cherished the time she spent with Mr. Jones as a principal, district administrator, and superintendent. “I was so saddened to hear of A.W.’s passing,” Mrs. Kujawa said. “I first met A.W. when I was principal at Magrill Elementary. His son, Ken, was one of my students. A.W. was a caring parent who valued education. Through the years, he became a friend, a role model, and a mentor. He was a compassionate leader in the community and the Aldine School District, always ready to help. His many years on the school board provided the district with solid decision-making, consistency, and strong leadership. He was a man of faith who loved God, his wife Bettie, his family, and the Aldine School District. His presence will be missed.”

Trustee Dr. Viola M. Garcia, the current longest-tenured board member, served with Mr. Jones for 14 years. She said she was honored to serve with him and to get to know him and his family. “Over the years we served together, there are a few things I learned about his personal character and life,” Dr. Garcia said. “The most important thing I learned was that A.W. Jones was a devoted family man. He loved his wife, Bettie, and loved his extended family and the Aldine community. He loved to spend time with his family and friends. A.W. was a very patient, caring, and giving man. These qualities endeared him always, not only to his friends, but especially to his children, grandchildren, and their friends. And for another, he enjoyed antique cars. Earlier in his life, he reveled in Sunday afternoon rides and car shows. While on the school board, I knew him to be honest. He had integrity, he was direct, and he always had a positive attitude, particularly about the students. All of these things tell us of the richness of God’s blessings and A.W.’s life. A.W. Jones was a good man. A good man is a blessing to his family, friends, and community. He was a joy to be around, and his happiness spread to you, and you were happy when you were around him. I feel blessed and honored to have known such a very good man.”

Trustee Ms. Rose Avalos said Mr. Jones was a true leader who did so much for Aldine students and staff. “A.W. Jones was a trailblazer in Aldine ISD, having served as a Trustee for so many, many years,” Ms. Avalos said. “He was an active and true participant in the events and activities supporting the students of Aldine. His experience, wisdom, and genuine concern for children were invaluable in the decisions that benefitted all of the students of Aldine.”

Board Member Mr. Steve Mead said Mr. Jones influenced him to serve as an Aldine ISD Trustee. “A.W. was my mentor,” Mr. Mead said. “He was such a kind and respected man who did so much good for so many people. I know he had a great impact on me and was one of the main reasons I ran for the school board. He will be deeply missed by the Aldine community.”

“A.W. was a leader in the community, a respected person who had a strong faith in God,” said former Superintendent M.B. “Sonny” Donaldson, who worked with Mr. Jones for 14 years when he served as superintendent. “He was thoughtful when decisions had to be made concerning students and the school district. He was always ready to attend every school activity to support students and teachers.”

On April 30, 2021, Jones Primary and Jones Elementary schools held a very special tree dedication ceremony to honor the life and legacy of A.W. Jones. The Jones Primary students lined the hallways with handmade signs to welcome the Jones family. The family entered the cafeteria wearing matching shirts, honoring their beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. The program included a welcome from Jones Elementary students and words of encouragement from Superintendent Dr. LaTonya Goffney, School Board Member Mr. Steve Mead, and former Jones Elementary Principal Mrs. Cheryl Fontenot. The Jones Primary and Elementary School choirs sang a beautiful rendition of  the classic spiritual song, “This Little Light of Mine.” During the ceremony, principals from both campuses, Mrs. Rosalind Burns (Jones Primary) and Dr. Darnisha Harvey (Jones Elementary) presented Mrs. Bettie Jones with a special award and reminded her and the family that they are always welcome to visit both schools.

The campuses planted a magnolia tree, donated by Alpha Kappa Delta Sorority, in between the two campuses and will be adding a bench soon. The magnolia tree symbolizes nobility, perseverance, endurance, purity, longevity, and the love of nature. Mr. A.W. Jones will be deeply missed. He was truly the embodiment of a legacy builder because his work in the Aldine community is still benefiting students today, and it will continue to benefit students in all the years to come.