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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E770]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING LELA HENDERSON-JONES
______
HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON
of mississippi
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor
Lela Henderson-Jones.
Lela Henderson-Jones was born March 11, 1970 to the late Robert and
Lee Ethel Henderson in Tunica, MS. She is the eleventh of fourteen
children (9 sisters and 5 brothers). Two siblings have preceded her in
death but the remaining twelve continue to have a close relationship.
She was a teenage mother, living in a poverty-stricken community with
limited resources available. Today, whenever she gains the opportunity,
she loves encouraging others to persevere regarding of what the
circumstances may be.
Lela Henderson-Jones went to Rosa Fort High School in Tunica,
Mississippi where she was in the top ten of her class. Before
graduating high school, Lela was the mother of two children. Lela
refused to allow her bad choices to affect her education. Once again,
she is grateful for the support of her family that knew her potentials
and wouldn't allow her to drop out of high school. She attended
Northwest Community College to pursue a degree in nursing. One semester
later, she left college to marry and raise her children. She realized
that nursing is something she did not want to do. Lela spent years
working in hotels to help support her family. She gained employment at
the local factory (Pillowtex) in the town of Tunica.
In 1994, Lela and her family moved to Horn Lake, MS due to lack of
housing in Tunica County. During this time, she was married, had three
children (two girls and one son), and was about to give birth to
another child. She commuted to Tunica daily to work and spend time with
her parents. After the death of her father and a brother, Lela obtained
employment in Desoto County as a factory worker. After losing the
desire for factory work and feeling unfulfilled, Lela made some major
decision that would affect her role as a wife and a mother. She decided
to return to college to work on a career.
Lela Henderson-Jones attended Northwest Community College to study
sociology. She was employed by Tunica County School District as a Child
Care Provider while attending Northwest. Her goal was to get back to
Tunica. After her first year of college and help from her advisor, she
decided to change her major to Social Work. She received her Bachelor's
degree in Social Work from the University of Mississippi. Mrs.
Henderson-Jones obtained employment with Region One Mental Health
Center as a Case Manager. This was the career path that she believed
was her true calling in Tunica County. She had the opportunity of
coordinating a Senior Program at Region One called ``Silver
Pathfinders.''
During her tenure with Region One Mental Health, Lela received her
Master's in Social Work from Mississippi Valley State University. She
received the position as County Coordinator that carried the roles of a
certified therapist for individual and families, group therapist for
anger management and A&D counselor, and case manager/ therapist for
mobile Crisis.
Currently, she holds the position as Clinic Operations Assistant for
Tunica County Healthcare Authority. She assists with the daily
operation of the only two rural health clinics in Tunica County. She is
a Board Member for Mid-State Opportunity (Community Action Agency), and
a Board Member for Tunica County Community Development Coalition
(TCCDC). She's on the ministerial staff at Holy Ghost Temple Church in
Dundee, MS.
Lela Henderson-Jones credits all her achievements to God, her
children (Camille, Damecos, Colundria, and Dijuan) and her family for
supporting her and never giving up on her. She's dedicated to her
community and the people in the community. Mrs. Jones is recognized for
her services to her community and passion for her community and the
people in the community is displayed daily.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Lela
Henderson-Jones for her dedication to serving her community and this
great state.
____________________