Linda M. Jones receives Order of the Long Leaf Pine
By Staff Reports
Published in News on September 2, 2012 1:50 AM
Linda M. Jones of Goldsboro was recently awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine -- the state's highest civilian honor that is conferred by the governor in recognition of community service.
In accepting the honor, Mrs. Jones said that she had survived cancer this past year, and that she is looking forward to continuing to serve God, her family, friends and community.
After graduating from East Carolina University, Mrs. Jones began her career as a fifth-grade teacher in Seven Springs. She continued her education at the University of North Carolina, ECU and Auburn University, and began to work with people with mental and physical challenges.
Mrs. Jones served as director of educational programs at the Eastern Regional Vocational Rehabilitation facility in Goldsboro and was later employed as a special education coordinator at O'Berry Center working with mental health centers in the southeastern region.
She retired in 1999 after more than 34 years in state government. As a retiree, she returned to work at O'Berry Center as the volunteer services coordinator for almost nine years. She retired again in 2009 with more than 43 years in state government.
Mrs. Jones currently serves a secretary of the O'Berry Center Foundation.
She has received numerous professional awards, twice being named recipient of the Goldsboro Mayor's Trophy for her work with people with disabilities. She is three-time nominee for the Governor's Award for Excellence.
Mrs. Jones has been active in the community serving on the Wayne County Adult Care Home Advisory Council; Eastpointe Mental Health Board; Wayne County Council for Older Adults; chair of the Senior Companion Advisory Council for WAGES; Foster Grandparent Advisory Council; and chair of the Wayne County Department of Social Services Board.
She also has served on the N.C. Board of Trustees for the state health plan, and is a member of the Wayne County ABC Board.
Mrs. Jones is the daughter of the late William A. and Louise Mahoney. She has one sibling, the Rev. Dr. William Mahoney of Greensboro.
Mrs. Jones is an active member of Brogden United Methodist Church where she sings in the choir. She is a past delegate to the N.C. Methodist Council.
Active in political causes, she is a member of the State Employees Association of North Carolina having served on the local and state levels.
Mrs. Jones is married to Larry Glenn Jones, and has a step-son, Glenn Jones of Antonio, Texas.