Uncrowned Community Builders

Doris W. Jones was described by those who knew and loved her as ".a strong voice, tenacious fighter and compassionate conscience for tenants and tenants rights in the Niagara Falls community, even in the face of strong adversity and opposition."

Doris W. Jones was born in Red Level, Alabama on February 18, 1935, the daughter of the late Rufus and Rosie Jones. Doris, a resident of public housing since 1944, worked tirelessly to promote self-sufficiency and improve the overall quality of life for public housing residents through the development of a variety of training programs and related initiative.

In 1975, Doris was elected President of the Center Court Tenant Association. In 1976, she was elected to the Niagara Falls Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, where she served for 25 years. She successfully initiated a variety of programs for the Niagara Falls Housing Authority including: The Summer Enrichment Program, Livin' Large and I Can Read Tutorial Programs, Annual "Run from Drugs," Annual Thanksgiving Feast and a host of job development and training programs. She developed numerous partnerships with local community agencies and organizations and was extremely instrumental in obtaining funding for several of the Housing Authority's mentoring programs and activities.

In 2001, Doris received the distinguished Resident of the Year award from the National Association of African-Americans in Housing (NOAAH) at their annual conference in San Francisco. In 2002, Doris was the recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Civil Rights Award. In her acceptance speech, she stated, "I have tried to live my life similarly to the following quotation that I heard from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King himself... The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy." She participated as a guest speaker at the Public Housing Authorities Directors Association's (PHADA) Annual Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, speaking on Resident initiatives. Doris worked long and hard to be a strong voice, tenacious fighter and compassionate conscience for tenants and tenants rights in the Niagara Falls community, even in the face of strong adversity and opposition. She was a true role model, motivator and friend.

Doris was a founding member of the Niagara Improvement Association and an instrumental member of the Niagara County Black Achievers, Inc. Doris' humanitarian efforts earned her certificates of meritorious service. She was inducted into the Housing Authority's "Wall of Fame" in 1992. In 1998, she received the "Heroes of Public Housing" Award from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for her dedication and loyalty to the Housing Authority and its residents and for her constant encouragement. She was honored at the Niagara Falls Housing Authority's 60th Anniversary Celebration with the distinguished "People and Possibilities" Award for service with distinction. Doris served as a 2nd Legislative District (2-1) committee woman for over forty-five years.

Miss Jones faithfully worked as an Elections Inspector and held various positions with the Niagara County Department of Social Services and Mt. Saint Mary's Hospital.

Doris was a member of the New Jerusalem Revival Center Independent Church of God in Christ and always let her strong faith in God be her guide.

She had a strong love for children and often commented "they are where our future lies, we all must be role models and nurture these children so that they can reach their full potential."

Doris touched the lives of many, many people. She was as comfortable in the halls of Congress as she was sitting in her kitchen at 6-D. Doris had a "pure" love for people, programs and services. Her unselfish motives defined her "pure" love: it bears all things, hopes all things, believes all things and above all, never fails. She was relentless in her pursuits.

Doris' home address, activities and achievements were well known among the people in the community. Noteworthy women such as Doris are too busy being famous to be popular. Doris wasn't merely a busy person, she was an industry. She gave to the poor. She helped others. Her efforts apparently extended to anyone in need, particularly children. Her life of service and sacrifice provided a leverage for people to realize their goals and aspirations.

Doris' calling was not just with the housing authority community, it was with the global community. She loved to stay informed. She continued to self educate by reading literary works such as the Holy Bible, especially the Book of Proverbs and periodicals including the New York Times.

Doris loved to have fun. She enjoyed music and if you were the last one to leave a Housing Authority function, you were elected to be her chauffeur for the evening.

She was the mother of one son, Raymond Jones and three grandchildren.