Glenda Madonna Williams Jones lived a life that was dedicated to serving others. A native of Winter Haven, Florida, she graduated from Jewett High School in 1961 as Valedictorian of her class. She then pursued higher education at Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana and the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, Florida, ultimately earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Services/Gerontology. She applied this knowledge early in her professional career as a Social Worker/Case Manager and as a Gerontology Coordinator. She was also a registered nurse.
For 50 years, Glenda served as Founder/Executive Director of the Neighborhood Service Center, Inc. (NSC), a Multi-Purpose Senior Center in Winter Haven, Florida (Polk County). It is here that she helped to accomplish the mission of empowering senior residents and others to function effectively in the community by coordinating resources that foster independent living, build self-confidence and increase dignity in everyday life. At its inception, the Neighborhood Service Center successfully functioned as a direct services agency reaching countless thousands of citizens in Winter Haven and Polk County. The NSC was originally organized to increase the community’s awareness and use of available, health, rehabilitative, educational and other support services. In 1974, Glenda saw a need for services for the elderly. Thus, a vision was born to expand the NSC as an agency that strives to maintain the dignity and independence of older adults.
The presence of the Neighborhood Service Center has greatly enriched our community as Glenda positively touched the lives of thousands over the years. Yet, she did not seek recognition. People who needed a place to gather during the day, elderly folks who needed help with meals, health care referrals, insurance questions, spiritual and social companionship with others…that is what they could find and more, at the NSC. Glenda considered her work a labor of love and a high calling, a purpose that God gave her to fulfill. God gave her the mission of the Neighborhood Service Center and she was faithful to that call.
Glenda’s impact and legacy of passionate and compassionate service was felt in Winter Haven, Polk County, and beyond. Her affiliations and memberships to various diverse community organizations are numerous, but the following are noted. She served as a volunteer for 28 years, Site Manager and Case Manager for Polk County Elderly Services for the Lake Maude Fellowship Dining Program, Project Director for Faith In Action of Greater Winter Haven for 15 years, and Project Director of the Neighborhood Service Center Senior Companion Program of Northeast Polk County for 15 years. She was a member of the Polk County Democratic Black Caucus when it was chartered in 1983. Glenda has served on the Board or as a member of: St. Joseph’s Catholic School (Winter Haven), United Way of Central Florida, the Agricultural and Labor Program, Inc. (ALPI), Neighborhood Breakfast Club of Polk County, PRIDE of Polk County, Women’s Club of Winter Haven, Girls, Inc. (Winter Haven), The Boys & Girls Club (Winter Haven), 4-H, Good Shepherd Hospice, and the Florence Villa CRA.
Glenda was the inaugural recipient of Girls, Inc. of Winter Haven “She Knows Where She’s Going” award and received the Banker’s Cup, the highest honor from the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce in 2008. Glenda was highly respected in our community as she helped to bring understanding, compassion and kindness to others.
Her life as a community advocate and activist began many years ago during the Civil Rights era while a student at FAMU. During the civil unrest, she was slapped, spat on, sprayed with powerful water hoses, and arrested. Nevertheless, she persisted and upon completion of her undergraduate degree, she used her passion for affecting positive change through her service as an active citizen in her community. She was born to make a difference.
Glenda Jones serves as Chair Emeritus (posthumously) of The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Parade Commission. The Annual Winter Haven Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Parade was a vision founded and established by Glenda 43 years ago in January 1979. It began as a peaceful march, and now, the Winter Haven Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Parade has evolved into one of the largest and well attended MLK parade events in Polk County. Carrying The Dream through the streets of Winter Haven, it is an inspiring celebration and diverse display of unity. Her legacy of this event is carried forward by her children, Shawn W. Kinsey and Charisse L. Jones, and a team of community volunteers.
Glenda, at 78, transitioned peacefully on Thursday, January 20,2022 at BayCare/ Winter Haven Hospital in Winter Haven, Florida. Glenda was preceded in death by her parents, Otis Williams, Sr (Springfield, Ohio) and Ila Faye Potter (Winter Haven, Florida) and Edna Bailey Kennedy and John Waymon Kennedy both of Winter Haven, Florida and her siblings, Carolyn Upshaw and Bruce Williams (Sharon) both of Springfield, Ohio.
Glenda is survived by her children, Shawn W. Kinsey and Charisse L. Jones both of Winter Haven, Florida. Her siblings, Otis ( Carlyn), Lisa Yates, Anthony Threats and Sister-in-Law, Sharon Williams all from Springfield, Ohio. And a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family.
Noting her significant contributions positively impacting the wellbeing of people and the community, Glenda was the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions. She leaves a rich legacy of faith, love, and service to community and humanity to inspire future generations.
MASK REQUIRED FOR ALL SERVICES
VISITATION
Thursday, January 27, 2022, 5–6 p.m., Alexander Funeral Home, 620 Avenue T NE, Winter Haven, FL 33881 Directions
GRAVESIDE SERVICES
Friday, January 28, 2022, 11 a.m., Rolling Hills Cemetery, 4810 Tilden Road, Winter Haven, FL 33881 Directions
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