Dianne Jones Obituary

Jones, Dianne Ruth (nee Goldfinger) Mrs. Jones was a lifelong fighter for civil rights, especially the right of teachers to organize and bargain collectively. Mrs. Jones also fought for education justice for all, especially poor children. Born March 24, 1928, raised in Manhattan and Far Rockaway New York, Mrs. Jones came to Chicago, Illinois in 1949 and attended Roosevelt University. Mrs. Jones along with her husband Linzey D. Jones Sr., whom she married in 1950, became actively involved in the growing civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Mrs. Jones was actively involved with the NAACP in Chicago and the south suburbs, helping to organize two NAACP chapters, led efforts to desegregate Chicago's Rainbow Beach, and went to the 1963 March on Washington, D.C. During the 1950's, Mrs. Jones began her career as an educator, teaching primarily in West Harvey School District No. 147, where in 1968 Mrs. Jones led efforts to establish one of the first teacher unions in the state of Illinois, West Harvey Federation of Teachers Local 1698. Mrs. Jones served as President of Local 1698 from 1972-1978, and also served as an Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) Vice-President for 8 years and chairperson of the Illinois Right-to-Read Advisory Council. Retiring from teaching in 1979, Mrs. Jones then took on a larger role in serving the interests of educators and children as an IFT Field Service Director with IFT Local 604 until 1991, where she was responsible for organizing and bargaining for teachers and staff in Sauk Village, Peotone, Channahon, Wilmington, Homer, Joliet, Tinley Park, Steger, and many other communities. Mrs. Jones also worked on teacher training and school reform initiatives of the IFT until she retired from the IFT in 1993. Mrs. Jones said of her career, "Everyone should get to work at what they would volunteer to do." Mrs. Jones passed away on December 31, 2012 after a long illness. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Linzey D. Jones Sr. Mrs. Jones was mother to Leslie Ann Jones (Tom Johnson) and Judge Linzey D. Jones, Jr. (Gloria); and grandmother to Linzey George Jones and Ben, Charlie and Jake Johnson. Mrs. Jones lived a true and purposeful life and set a wonderful example in helping others. Mrs. Jones was always generous with her time and resources in support of her children, grandchildren and many friends. A private memorial service will be held at a future date. In lieu of flower, the family requests that donations be sent to the ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter, 220 W. Huron Street, Suite 4003, Chicago, IL 60654, or at www.alsachicago.org.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jan. 4, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for Dianne Jones

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Leslie and Linzey, I'm so sad about your mom and admire her for how valiantly she fought through to the end. My heart goes out to you as you get used to being without her. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
Love, Margaret Nyman

Margaret Nyman

January 9, 2013

Please accept our sympathy on your loss. Mrs. Jones clearly was a strength to many. Her life story is an inspiration. - Dean Carlstone family

January 9, 2013

I remember the twinkle in your Mother's eyes when she looked at you. The pride and joy you brought her. Love you.

Lorraine

January 7, 2013

she was a wonderful lady we will miss her

jerline&mack mister

January 6, 2013

she was a wonderful person.we will miss her.

jerline&mack mister 9b

January 6, 2013

Dianne Jones was a true mentor in evey caring, sharing and giving sense of the word.
Everyone who knew Dianne was Blessed Beyond Measure by her enduring spirit of fairness and justice. Ava Harston and Family

January 6, 2013

Uncle Linzey I am praying for you and the family. I remember meeting your mom at a reunion and remember her as a "cool" person and very friendly. She is a great woman and accomplished many things including a son who she left a great legacy and family who also share her legacy of striving for excellence and encouraging others, despite life difficulties. Love you all. Praying for you

Alondra Davis

January 4, 2013

May God Bless and keep you. I'm writing this with a heavy heart and between the tears. Know that I respected but more so loved my "Lady Di"

Dale Mc Elroy

January 4, 2013

May grace and peace be with the Jones family during your time with your beloved loss

Cindy DeCarlo

January 4, 2013

A thoughtful loving and supportive mother who was ferocious in her support of her family, friends and community

Linzey Jones

January 4, 2013

My mother will be missed by so many whose lives were touched by her intelligence, wit and generous spirit. Love always. Your son

Linzey Jones

January 4, 2013

Dear Jones family we are sorry for your loss.May the God of all comfort be with you in the days ahead.

Bankston

January 4, 2013

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