At 92, Patricia “Pat” Roberts Jones is retiring once again, and this time from her job as the executive director of the Allen Council on Aging/Allen Parish Transit.
Jones was born in Alexandria and moved to Allen Parish at the age of 15. She may not have been a native, but she illustrated her love for people and the area by holding a multitude of hats during her lifetime.
An only child, she and her mother, Lillian Roberts, came to Oakdale, so her mother could run the Southern Bell Telephone office there. Her parents had divorced and her father moved out of state.
Jones married E. Holman Jones, a native of Oakdale. The couple were married 64 years before his death on January 12, 2014. To that union were five children, one of biggest accomplishments in life, because she knew she wanted a big family. (Her children are Fredrick Holman Jones, John Craig Jones, Marilyn Ann Jones Lee, Susan Lynn Jones Murry and Patrick Jones.)
The Jones family believed in community service and bettering their home and surroundings. Holman was a descendant of the Thomas Welch Family, who were one of the first seven families to settle Oakdale and to establish the Oakdale First Baptist Church. Jones worked alongside her husband when he began working with Harold Hudgins in 1960 to create the Oakdale Beacon. Holman was the owner of the Magnolia Printing Company for over 50 years and publisher/owner of the Oakdale Journal/Oakdale Beacon. When the company was sold to Louisiana State Newspapers, Jones remained as editor for 19 years.
During her lifetime, she worked with the fair association and the Miss Oakdale and Miss Allen Parish pageants for almost 40 years. She also served as the Chamber’s president throughout the years.
She joined the hospital as its senior advocate/patient representative for 17 years.
She loves to travel and belongs to the 50 state organization. She just took a paddle wheeler trip from Memphis to New Orleans. She said she really enjoyed it. She still likes to travel.
When Jones took the executive director’s job for the Council on Aging, she was going to be there for two years. Twenty-two years later, she is still there.
“I’ve worked 74 years,” she said. “My children have encouraged me to retire and enjoy life.”
At the moment, she’s recovering from a broken hip and starting to get around town again. She said she’s going to become an advocate for the aging. She really can’t retire completely.
“Allen Parish has been so good to me. They have been there. I have thoroughly enjoyed it,” Jones said. Also, this is my next step. We will see where it lands me.”
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Many wish Jones well, recall working with her
During her years as a leader in the community, serving in a variety of jobs, Pat Jones has become a friend to many, an icon to Oakdale. Here are some comments from those she has worked with and some who call her a friend; even a force to reckon with.
Sheriff Doug Hebert III
Through his job as sheriff, Doug Hebert III has worked with Jones and Council on Aging.
“We’re certainly going to miss seeing Miss Pat go. She was instrumental and an unwavering advocate for the elderly. Personally, I’ll miss her. I don’t know how they will replace her. Whomever does will have some incredibly large shoes to fill.”
Mayor Gene Paul
Oakdale Mayor Gene Paul has worked with Jones as a Council on Aging board member, as well as in his job as mayor. He said she told the board last month she was retiring which was a shock. “She is an awesome lady who has done a fantastic job. She has the senior citizens at heart.”
Paul recalled how Jones would go to Baton Rouge on numerous occasions and fight for Oakdale, the parish and its senior citizen population. He said she was a gem.
“I don’t know if you can replace her. You might fill her spot,” Paul said. “You can’t keep a good woman down. She will always be on the look out for senior citizens cause that’s what’s in her heart.”
He said Jones was an icon to the city, and he said you don’t find that often.
U.S. Congressman
Mike Johnson
“Congratulations to Ms. Pat Jones – who has been an extraordinary advocate of elderly services for more than two decades now. Her contributions to the health and success of Allen Parish seniors are invaluable and will certainly be missed. Pat’s selfless work ethic and contribution to her community should inspire us all to that same level of service. She has unquestionably lived life to the fullest.”
Representative
Dewith Carrier
Louisiana Representative Dewith Carrier, District 32, who sits on the appropriations committee, said everyone knows Pat Jones in Baton Rouge.
“She’s always trying to get money. It’s amazing she can do it. It’s stressful to drive there and work on the hill. She’s not shy. I think she runs the show and brings the elderly with her to advocate for dollars in Baton Rouge. She gets some every year. We are really going to miss her.”
He said Jones was dedicated to the cause – advocating for the elderly.
“I never met anybody like her at that age. I make it a point to acknowledge her. The energy she has. She is something else.”
He shared a funny story of seeing Jones in Baton Rouge one night drinking a martini while attending a night dinner engagement in Baton Rouge. He said he thought to himself that it looked like Jones. Carrier said it was Jones, and she was with two other people. He said she told him not to tell her children where she was. He laughed about the chance meeting and said she was unbelievable.
“She didn’t take no for an answer,” Carrier said about her advocating for money. He added when she reached the capitol, you knew she was there.
“The energy she has; she is something else. We’re going to miss her.”
Mayor Wayland LaFargue
“Pat Jones was compassionate and dedicated leader of Allen Council on Aging for the senior citizens of Allen Parish.” said Kinder Mayor Wayland LaFargue. “Her dedication helped the senior citizens meet their needs during their senior years.”
ACOA Office Staff
“I have known Ms. Pat as far back as I can remember,” said Kristi Tanner, transit driver for ACOA. “She knows my whole family so when I walked into the office almost four years ago, she welcomed me in. I could tell she really cares about everyone in her community. I was honored to get a chance to help her make a difference in our parish. Her brilliance and wisdom have always motivated us to do better. Ms. Pat, you will be missed. Congratulations on your retirement.”
“When I walked up that sidewalk a little over four years ago, I really did not know much about Council on Aging, human services or the needs of the aging in our parish,” said Joelene Hartley, administrative assistant at ACOA. “I learned very quickly how passionate Ms. Pat was about the aging. I have learned a lot over the past four years under her guidance and direction. She always pushed me to do my best and to ask questions. It was an honor to have Ms. Pat as my mentor. She is probably the strongest lady I have ever met and only hope one day to have the strength, wisdom and courage she has. Ms. Pat will be missed by the entire staff. It will not be the same without her here. Congratulation Ms. Pat on your retirement.”
“I’m honored to say that I have had the opportunity to get to know, as well as work with, Patricia Jones, said Lakyn Manuel, transit scheduler for ACOA. “In only a small amount of time she has taught me more than I could have imagined. I can honestly say that work just won’t be the same without her. She will truly be missed! Congratulations and best wishes on your retirement Ms. Jones. You have certainly earned it! Go enjoy your next chapter of life.”
“I have known Pat for a very long time,” said Charles Johnson, maintenance supervisor for ACOA. “It has been a pleasure working with her all these years. Congratulations on your retirement.”
“I have known Ms. Pat for a long time,” added Shavonne Stagg, HCBS supervisor for ACOA. “I previously worked for her as a C-II driver and recently came back to work in the office. Even though I quit every day, she still made me come back to work the next day. But seriously, it has been a joy to work with her. I have learned a lot about human services this past year. I am going to miss you but enjoy your retirement.”
“I am really going to miss you,” said Leslie Pelt, transit driver for ACOA. “It was a pleasure working with you. Congratulations on your retirement.”