WS Chronicle

RALEIGH – Dr. Althea Taylor Jones from Kernersville has received a 2019 Pioneer Award from the N.C. Coalition on Aging for her long-time contributions to the field of aging in North Carolina. Dr. Taylor Jones was presented the award at the Coalition’s annual meeting in Raleigh on Sept. 27.

In presenting the award to Dr. Taylor Jones, Mary Bethel, executive director of the coalition, noted that Dr. Taylor Jones was being recognized for her work and contributions for over two decades as a professional and volunteer in the aging field. Bethel shared some of Dr. Taylor Jones’ background, accomplishments and contributions with the meeting participants including the following:

*Dr. Taylor Jones retired in 2009 as professor and Gerontology Program administrator at Winston-Salem State University where she was beloved by her students and was a leader in the aging field in her community and in state initiatives. Over the course of her career, she also was an adjunct professor at NC A&T State University, High Point University, and Wake Forest University, and director of counseling at Winston-Salem State University.

*Prior to entering the education field, Dr. Taylor Jones worked for the N.C. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services and the N.C. Department of Corrections. She took early retirement at the age of 50 and enrolled in a Ph.D. program at Virginia Tech in Human Development and earned a graduate certificate in gerontology. She finished her degree in three years and engaged fulltime in a career path in the field of aging.

*Dr. Taylor Jones has published many articles in various print media on aging and has been a presenter at numerous events, programs and conferences on topics related to aging at the local, state, regional, national and international levels since the mid 1990s.

*In 2007, Dr. Taylor Jones authored the book “Colorful Memories: Aging with Style” and in 2014 she and her husband, the Rev. Dr. Joseph Jones, co-authored the book “Goose Sense.”

*In her retirement, Dr. Taylor Jones has continued to play a key role in numerous state, regional, and national programs and organizations with an aging focus. In 2018, she was honored by AARP North Carolina with its prestigious Andrus Award for community service. She has volunteered with AARP for over 20 years, serving as a Triad leadership and advocacy team member and on the AARP North Carolina Executive Council.

*In 2015-2017, Dr. Taylor Jones served as Speaker for the N.C. Senior Tar Heel Legislature. She continues to serve as the Forsyth County delegate to the Senior Tar Heel Legislature and chairs the group’s Advocacy Committee.

*Dr. Taylor Jones is the president elect and chairperson of the Development Committee of the Southern Gerontological Society (SGS). In 2018, she received the Society’s Rhoda Jennings Distinguished Older Advocate Award.

*Dr. Taylor Jones was recognized by the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) in 2009 with an Outstanding Service Award.

*Locally, Dr. Taylor Jones continues to play a very active role with the Piedmont Triad Regional Council Area Agency on Aging. She has chaired the Regional Advisory Council on Aging and is the current Forsyth County representative to the council, and she serves on the Aging Services Planning Committee and the Home and Community Care Block Grant Advisory Council.

*Dr. Taylor Jones is a master trainer for the Living Healthy Program in the areas of diabetes, chronic disease, and chronic pain self-management and is a certified facilitator for the Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST) for Trellis Supportive Care.

In concluding her remarks, Bethel shared that the coalition is honored to recognize Dr. Taylor Jones for her many accomplishments during her work years and also for her continuing engagement, leadership and accomplishments as a volunteer for so many programs and services that impact older North Carolinians.

Joining Dr. Taylor Jones at the awards presentation was her husband of 52 years, the Rev. Dr. Joseph Jones.