Susie Jones is the recipient of the 2009 “Woman of Courage of Greene County Award” in recognition of her dedicated service to the community and her church.
Jones, who volunteers in several capacities at Trinity United Methodist Church and has been a long-time supporter of the local youth soccer programs and other children and youth community programs, was presented the award on Monday during a presentation at Tusculum College by students in a “History in Gender” course.
In the program marking the beginning of “Women’s History Month,” the students shared information about significant individuals in women’s rights efforts in American history and concluded with the award presentation. The award, which recognizes an individual for community service whose efforts have not been in the public eye, was sponsored by the College’s Center for Civic Advancement and the history course.
Describing Jones as a true example of “Pioneer spirit,” student Burke Greear told of her service to others in the award presentation.
An active member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Jones presently serves as secretary of the Buel Brooks Bequest Committee; Sunday School teacher for the children’s department; member of Church Council; counselor for college-age group; member of the adult handbell choir, assistant director of children’s choirchimes, and assists with youth handbell choir; and is a member of United Methodist Women serving as Coordinator of Spiritual Growth and is immediate past Vice President of the District Team. Jones has served as secretary of the Church Council; Youth, Children’s, and Young Adult Coordinators; church treasurer; trustee; member of the finance committee; and building committee.
Jones has also been a long-time supporter of youth soccer programs in Greene County. Her children participated in the soccer program and her grandchildren are now participating. Jones has also served as a mentor for Senior High Girl Scouts and served on the Partnership’s Youth Leadership Board and Keep Greene Beautiful Board.
She has also touched the lives of many young people through her career. Jones, who is the executive assistant to Chief Financial Officer and Vice President Steve Gehret at Tusculum College, has worked at the College for more than a decade. She has worked in other administrative departments, including Institutional Advancement, where she worked closely with the College’s Church Relations program, Pioneer Club efforts and was interim director of alumni for one year.
Prior to working at Tusculum, Jones worked at Greeneville Middle School (GMS) and served as president and vice president of the GMS Greeneville Schools in Action (GSIA) and secretary of the Greeneville High School GSIA.
Jones is married to Charles Jones, and they have three sons, two daughter-in-laws and five grandchildren. She is a graduate of South Greene High School and Hamilton Business College.
This is the fourth Woman of Courage Award that has been presented. Previous recipients include Mary Jane Coleman who established the Sinking Creek Film Festival, which is now the Nashville Film Festival; Lillian Taylor, who has served for many years in the Andrew Johnson Heritage Association and promoted the cause of peace locally, and Patty Sarden, whose community service includes music ministry, artistic expression and was the first president of the George Clem Scholarship Foundation.