EDITOR:
I read The Record-Courier headline in the Jan. 31 edition, which stated "Bea Jones Dies at Age 100," and I realized at once that one of RSVP's most valuable and wonderful volunteers had passed on. She was the consummate volunteer that everyone admired, loved and endeavored to be like, including me.
I met Bea when I joined RSVP as executive director in 1979. She had already been with RSVP for five years as the volunteer field representative for Douglas County. She was 69 years old then and what a ball of fire. Let me tell you, she was very nice, very polite, always dressed to the nines, with her hair and nails just so; however, she let me know right off that she ruled the roost for the Douglas County seniors for whom she fought and worked for tirelessly to not only improve their quality of life but also offer meaningful volunteer opportunities across the county. When Bea thought her seniors were getting shortchanged she chastised the county commissioners who publicly admitted their fear of this feisty little 100-pound lady.
Bea recruited hundreds of volunteers that served Douglas County museums, libraries, food closets, senior centers, thrift stores, Sheriff's Department, etc., etc., the list is endless. She was also responsible for the tons of record keeping for her beloved seniors and was meticulous and accurate in all her administrative duties for over 30 years, ceasing only in 2005 at age 95. Bea was never salaried and only twice accepted some mileage reimbursements. Oh yes, she still drove to all her programs, and if she discovered an ill volunteer, chicken soup and homemade bread was promptly delivered.
Bea Jones must be occupying a special seat in Heaven right now as she was one of the most giving persons to people in need that I have ever known. That is why I dedicated this column in her honor to remind people how unselfish she was and the kind of senior advocate that they unfortunately don't make anymore, and because her obituary failed to make reference to one of the most important segments of her life, and certainly her legacy.
Bea was the recipient of many congressional awards from Senators Reid and Ensign as well as Congressmen of the time for her outstanding contributions in helping seniors. An award was also created, the "Bea Jones Award", for an outstanding Douglas County volunteer which Bea enjoyed presenting at the awards banquets which she arranged at the Carson Valley Inn in Minden.
Sweet dreams Bea - all of us at RSVP, past and present know you must be organizing all of the Angels! God Bless!
Janice Ayres
Carson City
