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With every hug, laugh, smile, tear, toil, and touch, she feels that every soror ella-vates. Her style is firm Her heart is warm She is the Centennial South Atlantic Regional Director presenting…Ella Springs Jones Here’s an informal interview with our Centennial South Atlantic Regional Director. She speaks candidly about her professional, personal, and AKA life. When and where did you become a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated? I became a member of this great sisterhood November 18, 1965 at Beta Sigma Chapter, South Carolina State College (University). The photos on this page show me, then and now. Pay close attention to the picture of a young lady with a tambourine hat and pleated skirt suit. That’s me in 1965 during initiation. What’s your vision as the Centennial Regional Director of the South Atlantic Region? As we approach our centennial year, it is an opportunity to rekindle our commitment to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and continue a legacy that tells a beloved and inspirational story. I envision a rebirth in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, that embraces the journey of yesteryear, vigorate energy for today, and provides hope for tomorrow. This vision will:
What’s your most memorable AKA experience? It was like a rite of passage. My most memorable AKA experience was the day I pinned my daughter. This day will always hold a special place in my heart. Tell us about your family. I am the oldest of six (6) siblings. I have one daughter, Joi Patrice, who is also a member of AKA. What’s your birthplace and date? I was born in a small town, Johnston, South Carolina, on December 3. I bounced in weighing 10 lbs. 11 oz. “I’ve been big all of my days and was bald headed until age 4. You see I came into this world a healthy child.” Where do you currently reside? I call Augusta, Georgia home. I have been a resident since 1968. Who inspires you? My dad did. Now he is gone. Sorors and family do as well because of their intelligence and will to be giving. My mom is nearly eighty years young and moves faster than I do. Soror Lucille Ellis Floyd (in her mid ninety years young) still drives, teach piano lessons, and is the largest fundraiser in my local chapter. My cousin (affectionately known as “Cousin Ruth”) is sharp as a tack. She will be ninety on her birthday (2006). Soror Vivian Wilds is a golden soror and is very much in love with life and AKA. My great niece Erin, who is five, keeps me mentally wanting to learn more. I see them and say “there is hope for me.” Do you have a personal motto? My personal motto is “do unto others as you have them do unto you.” My dad always taught me to treat people how I wanted to be treated and to be fair. He would say, “if you can go to bed and sleep after making a decision, then the decision was right.” Daily, I think about my tea roses. So I'm grateful that my bed of tea roses is made up equally of blossoms and thorns. I've had an abundant and blessed life. I think that the parts that were less joyous were preparing me, teaching me, strengthening me. What are your favorite foods? “FOOD!” Specifically, I love fish. I could eat it every day. I like chicken prepared a lot of different ways. I enjoy most vegetables and like a good steak now and then. How do people describe you? Most would say I have a “raspy voice.” It’s quite strong. I blame it on speaking in a tone where my business students would hear my instructions over the sound of manual typewriters. Some say I can’t whisper to well. What’s your favorite way to relax? I relax by listening to music. What’s your favorite genre of music, song, and artist(s)? I love songs I grew up on and songs of inspiration. My overall favorite is “At Last” by Etta James. Other female artists who I enjoy are Dionne Warrick, Nancy Wilson, and Gladys Knight. My favorite genres are gospel, jazz and R&B. I also love hymns. I love Luther Vandross; I have most of his music. I like Ray Charles, Pebro Bryson, The O’Jays, and The Manhattans to name a few. What’s your favorite movie? I can’t name just one. Here’s the list: The Color Purple, Men of Mice, The Titans, Pretty Woman, The Bridges of Madison County, To Kill a Mockingbird (older version), and Imitation of Life. I also enjoy seeing black and white versions of movies. Oh, I love, I love, l love, old TV series like Good Times and The Andy Griffin Show. I could stay up all night watching them. Tell us about your educational and professional walk. Life has been good to me. As I approach retirement, I think back to how it all started. Here’s that walk. Bachelor of Science, Business Education, South Carolina State College (University), 1967 Master of Education, Business Education, South Carolina State College (University), 1983 Augusta Technical College, Augusta, GA
State of Georgia—Department of Technical and Adult Education
State of Georgia - GOAL/Rick Perkins Awards State Committee
Tell us about your Alpha Kappa Alpha involvement? Serving Alpha Kappa Alpha is divine. I am grateful for every opportunity. I look forward to providing training and leadership to others as others have done for me. Here’s a summary of my Alpha Kappa Alpha journey.
Conference Involvement
Special Training and Awards
Attendance Record
Tell us about your other community work. Through the years, I’ve had the pleasure to meet many people and provide service through local, state, and national organizations. All of this makes me a better person. I encourage all AKA women to ensure the vine endures. Please be involved, be diverse, and be a giving heart. Here are some building blocks of my servanthood.
What does Alpha Kappa Alpha mean to you? Today is just like that glorious day in 1965 when I received my pearls at South Carolina State (College) University. Each and every time I sing the Alpha Kappa Alpha Hymn, I get chocked up and feel the chills on my arms because I think of our beloved founders. I give praise to them for the warm feeling of sisterhood. In a personal way, Alpha Kappa Alpha enhances my leadership skills; in a spiritual way, Alpha Kappa Alpha instills in me to be a servant to mankind; in an amazing way, Alpha Kappa Alpha has helps me to develop and cherish friendships; in a worthy way; Alpha Kappa Alpha challenges me to address the needs of the community; and in a beloved way, Alpha Kappa Alpha touches me everyday with the wonders and beauty of our great sisterhood. |
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