Ocala's Sylvia Jones, who fought for civil rights, dies at 72

Sylvia Jones, an Ocala native known for her staunch support of civil rights and lifelong community activism, died on Feb. 1 at age 72.

Jones' daughter, Trellis Williams, said her mother's activism spanned from the 1960s to her last days.

“The last time I spoke with my mother, Jan. 30, she was writing a letter to her insurance company about an issue, and she was livid about a gun show held at the E. D. Croskey Recreation Center directly across from Madison Street Elementary," Williams said. "She thought it was oxymoronic to allow a gun show across from a school where it is a felony to have a gun. She was going to write to the city manager."

Jones was born in Ocala and raised during the days of strict segregation. Jones spoke of the Black culture in the West Ocala community of her youth in an interview published in a Feb. 1, 2014 Star Banner article.

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In that article, Jones spoke of close-knit neighborhoods in West Ocala decades ago, when all the residents kept a watchful eye on the youth and civic groups like the Sojourner Truth Club and Lilly Whites were active.

Jones’ family was involved in operating Paradise Park, a segregated section of Silver Springs attraction, the 2014 article states.

According to the 2014 article, in 1963 Jones was swept up in the Civil Rights Movement and soon began to attend mass meetings in Ocala aimed at fighting segregation at public places.

Jones was one of 34 African American students who were the first to attend previously all-white Ocala High School, Williams said.

"She was never afraid. She felt it was a family obligation and she was expected to do it," Williams said of her mother being in the forefront of public school integration.

Jones recalled in the 2014 article how her grandfather thought she was "too rebellious," and he drove her to school with a shotgun hidden.

Jones was an honor student and was involved in the school magazine, Satori, before her graduation in 1968.

Jones had a master's degree in social work and served as a professor at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee. The 2014 article states Jones spearheaded the renaming of Northwest 16th Avenue to Martin Luther King, Jr, Boulevard.

“My mother wanted to be sure youth today knew of the Civil Rights Movement and the impact of the contribution of the African American community has had on Ocala," Williams said.

Williams said she accompanied her mother recently on a shopping trip to the downtown Ocala Farmers' Market and Jones remarked on how the community has changed over the years.

"(My mother) was concerned about the disconnect of the Black community today. She wanted to reconnect the community," Williams said.

After retirement, Jones continued to attack issues including voting rights and concern about availability of fresh, healthy foods in parts of West Ocala.

"I'm retired from teaching but I'm a neighborhood social worker. That's my mission," Jones was quoted as saying in the 2014 article.

'The epitome of decency in humanity: rock solid'

Ron Coleman was a classmate and a member of the group of 34 pioneering students. The career Naval aviator, now living in Jacksonville, said Jones was “the epitome of decency in humanity: rock solid.”

“Sylvia was always forward thinking, innovative and constructive. She made sure her voice was heard (and) represented the community,” he said.

Coleman said Jones was concerned about her classmates remaining in touch and together.

Another Class of 1968 member, and also one of the 34 pioneer students,  Cheryl (Lonon) Walker, said the group “made history.”

“Sylvia was vivacious, outspoken, very friendly and confident. She was a member of the National Honor Society,” said Walker, a retired Florida College and University System educator.

Walker said Jones was an orator who had “many public speaking engagements and competed in oratorical contests around the state.”

Walker said she, Jones and fellow class members Brenda Lawrence and Gloria Kinsler Wess formed an a cappella group and won a trip to New York. Their winning song was “In the Garden,” Walker said.

Jones had two children: Trellis Williams, 52, and Jerel Seamon, 46.

A memorial service will be held at St. Paul AME Church, 718 NW Seventh St., Ocala, where Jones was a lifelong member, at 5 p.m. Feb. 10.

Williams said in lieu of flowers her mother "would want people to understand the issues and get out and vote."

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Sylvia Jones, local leader and civil rights advocate, dies at 72