Rosa Mae Scott Jones Obituary (1937

Rosa Scott Jones was the fourth child born to Matthew and Lydia Scott. She entered this world on June 29, 1937 in Melder, Louisiana. She departed this life peacefully on Saturday, October 16, 2021 in Lafayette, Louisiana at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center. Rosa received Christ at an early age and was an active member of the Springhill Baptist Church for many years. Rosa attended high school at the LeCompte Rosenwald High School which was renamed to Carter C. Raymond High School and graduated in 1955. She attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1959. Rosa Jones went on to further her education obtaining a Master of Education +30 hours in Supervision Administration at Northwestern State University. She also attended Louisiana State University at Alexandria for further studies. She started her teacher profession in Cheneyville, LA and retired from Carter C. Raymond Junior High School in LeCompte, LA after 33 years as a teacher and administrator. After retiring from the Rapides Parish School District, she started working for the Rapides Senior Citizens Center as a team leader and a supervisor of three (3) centers until 2008. Mrs. Jones had previously worked for the Rapides Senior Citizens from 1992-1998. During the period from 1998-2008, Rosa Scott Jones was elected as the "first" African-American and "first" female Mayor of LeCompte, Louisiana in 1999 where she served for 8 years and 5 months, electing to not seek a third term. During her term as Mayor, she founded the LeCompte Pie Festival, and LeCompte is currently known as the Pie Capital of Louisiana which was given that honor during her tenure. After her service as Mayor of LeCompte, she returned to work for the Rapides Senior Citizens. As a member of the Springhill Baptist Church under the current leadership of Pastor Murphy Riggs, she served as Youth Sunday School Teacher and Announcing Secretary for many years. She was a member of the Senior Choir and Director of Youth Ministry. She was an member and served as Anti-Basileus of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and a sponsor of the Zeta Amicae. Rosa was Secretary for the LeCompte Voters and Improvement League, Inc. and Citizens of LeCompte United, Inc. She was on the Board of Directors for the South Rapides Service Club and Rapides Federal Credit Union. Rosa Scott Jones was a member of the Silver Glee Chapter Order of Eastern Star and Past Deputy of the Oasis for the Jaffa Court #181 Daughters of Isis. She was a member of the American Federation of Teachers, Louisiana Association of Black Mayors and the Southern University Alumni. Rosa and her husband of 61 years, Melford Jones, were the Co-Founders of the LeCompte Rosenwald-Carter C. Raymond School Reunion. Rosa leaves to cherish her loving memories: her husband, Melford Jones, her one and only daughter who she loved more than words can express, Melonie D. Jones, both of LeCompte, LA; one "adopted" son, George Anderson (Sharanda) of Dickinson, TX, one granddaughter, Georne Anderson of Huntsville, TX; five Godchildren, Lee Nora Laws of LeMoyen, LA, Darlene Spane of Fort Worth, TX, Joni Verrett Clark (Scottie) of Richmond, TX, Tony Verrett (Megan) of Tampa, FL and Kourtnei Kirk of Arlington, TX; four best friends, Margie Webster, Mary Ann Fisher and A. Faye Kindle all of LeCompte, LA and Aileen Deal of Alexandria, LA.; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Please keep the family in prayer ~Miller & Hill