Obituaries

Richard Kenneth “Dick” Jones, 91, passed away on February 28, 2024. Services will be Wednesday, March 6, 2024 beginning with visitation at 11 am and funeral service to follow at 1 pm at New Zion Baptist Church, 1501 Louis Coleman Jr. Drive. Interment will be in Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, Atlanta, GA.

Richard was the youngest son of James Monroe Jones and Zola Usher Wiggins Jones.  He was born in Americus, GA.  His family moved to Atlanta where he was raised.  He received a BA from Morehouse University and MA from Atlanta University.  He served in the U.S. Army for 2 years stationed in Alaska.  He taught for 2 years at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama before being recruited to Louisville KY by the United Way.

In 1970, he was recruited by Park Duvalle as Research Director.  He retired after 41 years of distinguished service including 26 years as CEO.  He served on the Board of Health of Louisville and Jefferson County and chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kentucky Primary Care Association (KYPCA) and the Louisville Primary Care Association.  He also served on the Boards of the Park Duvalle Development Corporation, University Care, Inc. and the Northwest Area Health Education Center.  He was awarded the Aaron Brown Distinguished Service Award by the KYPCA.  He was one of the founding members of the Louisville-Falls Region Interview Morehouse Alumnus Chapter which helped to catapult The Bell-Brazeal Chapter and was inducted into the Hall of Fame for Outstanding Alumni of Morehouse College.

While at home, he focused on his family, many pets and friends.  Over the years he enjoyed: bowling, cooking, listening to music, playing cards, watching sports and political news.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Dr. James Jones, Ulysses Jones and Zola Brown Griffith; wife of 33 years Thelma C. Jones; daughter Delores Basemore Wilson; granddaughters Yvonda Brown and TeAndrea Brown; great grandson Mitchell Gordon.  He leaves to cherish his memories: daughter Thelma R. Jones (Bedford); grandson Jerron Brown Sr (Dana); great grandchildren LeCorie Brown, Daijanai Bradley, Jadavin Bradley, Terriyon Ashby Brown, Jerron Brown Jr, JaAviantay Brown, Michelle Gordon, Ciara Bell, Samantha Mosby; 6 great great grandchildren Desmond, Damir, Demi, Dynasty, Destiny, Reno; nieces and nephews Dr. Hermina Brown, Lorraine Nelson, Robert Earl Cade Jr, Louis Cade, Greg Cade, Jacqueline Cade, Mekia Cade, Juanita Hughley;  great nieces and nephews and many cousins.