Joyce Marie Roland-Jones was a very dedicated Teacher and had been very instrumental in the growth and development of many children over her 43 years of teaching. She always said "education is the key to learning and becoming a success in life."

She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School (Tulsa, Oklahoma) in 1965 and in 1969 from Langston University with a Bachelor of Science in Early Elementary Education and later obtained certification in Early Childhood Education from Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas.
She taught Pre-K in Wichita, Kansas for 17 years, Kindergarten in Tulsa, Oklahoma for 14 years and the remaining years at Muskogee Public Schools Cherokee Elementary. Her mentoring has been recognized throughout the states she has taught. She was Head Teacher in Wichita, KS, February 2006 Teacher of the Month, Platinum Teacher Award for outstanding teaching of Reading to students, Superintendent Award from Tulsa Public Schools, Outstanding Teacher Award at John Burroughs Elementary in Tulsa, Oklahoma, After school Tutoring for Tulsa and Muskogee Public Schools and was presented with a Unity Award for promoting outstanding leadership and togetherness.

She always had a great sense of humor, loved drama, acting and is passionate about singing for the Lord. She even dabbled into her dream by composing and writing the school song (Luminous Learners) for Cherokee Elementary in Muskogee Public Schools.

Her professional career outside of educating children included: Sunday School Teacher for the Senior & young children's department, Senior Choir President, President of the Deaconess, WMU President all at St. Mark Baptist Church in Muskogee, Oklahoma, Oklahoma Chapter Member of Alpha Xi Sigma of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and was a mentor to many children. One of the most important aspects of her life was family. She always encouraged them, instilled values, morals and lived by example.

Mrs. Joyce M. Jones, in her 67th year, was beckoned by the Master on Sunday, May 11, 2014, from her home in Warner, Oklahoma, with her loving family near her side to witness.

She was preceded in death by her father, Eddie Roland , her mother, Gladies Howard-Roland, her Terrie Loraine Roland, and two grandsons, Rickey Johnson II &
Rickey Johnson III.

Joyce leaves to cherish her husband Augustus Jones, her two birth children Tracy Jones of Waldorf, MD, Kimberly Jones-Johnson & son-in-law Rickey Johnson of Wichita, Kansas, surrogate daughters Valarie LittleJohn (Son Stephen) of San Diego, CA, Demetria James (daughter Faith) of Baltimore, MD, surrogate son Jerry Cunningham of Muskogee, OK, adopted son (nephew) Darell Jones Stafford, Virginia, adopted son (nephew) Jimmie Striblen II of Lancaster, Texas and numerous children that adopted Joyce as their Mom over her 43 years of teaching.

The Hour of Tribute will commence on Saturday morning, May 17, 2014 at 10:00 AM in the Muskogee Civic Center. Reverend Rodger L.B. Cutler, Pastor of the St. Mark Baptist Church, will officiate.

You may visit SIster Jones, as she slumbers in sweet repose at the Funeral Home on Friday from 12 Noon until 6 PM.