When the Jackson City Council held its monthly meeting February 6, the day was proclaimed “Shirley Jones Day,” and she was presented with a “Key to the City,” for her 24 years of service at the Jackson Chamber.
The appreciation continued Wednesday, during a reception at the Chamber for Shirley, the organization’s vice president of public affairs, who has been recognized by the United States Chamber of Commerce and the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce for excellence in governmental affairs.
“This is just a great day for me,” Shirley said. “I’ve been working at the Chamber for 24 years … I have loved everything I have done. I have loved being a small part of this community (and) I will miss all of my friends so much. This entire community is my friend.”
She officially retires, Wednesday, February 28.
Originally a volunteer at the Jackson Chamber, she has worked closely with elected officials and government entities at the local, state and federal level.
She has organized activities of the Chamber’s largest group of volunteers – the Ambassadors – coordinating individual member events, groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings and grand openings.
“Shirley Jones has been a consistent voice for education and public affairs for this community, and she has been with the (Jackson) Chamber as a paid employee for over 24 years – and she has been involved in this Chamber for over 30 years,” said Kyle Spurgeon, president/CEO of the Jackson Chamber. “She has seen a lot of people like me come and go … she has been that consistent person in this Chamber who has made us be successful over the last several years.”
Lori Nunnery, executive director of the Jackson-Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau, gave her thoughts on Shirley’s influence.
“For me personally, she has been a great teacher and mentor,” Lori Nunnery said. “When I came into this position, it was a new responsibility, and Shirley was a driving force.
“She had a way of nurturing and mentoring people, which is a lost skill set today. She took time to teach. She always had the community at heart.”
(PHOTO: Shirley Jones visits with Dr. Niles Reddick, Vice Provost, University of Memphis Lambuth)
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