Scholarship established in memory of longtime educator who taught in Lula for 50 years

GAINESVILLE - A scholarship has been established in memory of a longtime north Georgia educator who taught in Lula for nearly half-a-century.<br /> <br /> Reba Nelle Jones, who died Dec. 28 at the age of 92, was also an accomplished vocalist and musician.<br /> <br /> Jones was a native of Banks County who attended received her degree in education at Piedmont College in Demorest and developed her vocal talents at Brenau College (University) while studying under Brenau legend Madam Ringo. She and her sisters rose to local fame when they formed the Jones Sisters Trio and sang weekly for the WGGA in Gainesville. <br /> <br /> However, teaching soon became her greatest passion, and she dedicated herself to her beloved Lula School, according to her obituary, where she taught for nearly 50 years. During her tenure, besides teaching high school typing and the fifth grade, she played piano for graduation exercises and organized Christmas pageants, PTA programs, and Red Cross drives. <br /> <br /> She was Lula School's Teacher of the Year a number of times and represented Georgia's public schools at teacher conferences in California and Spain. At the time of her death, she was compiling a book on her educational philosophy and reflections on a half-century of teaching, which will be published this spring under the title, "Old School."<br /> <br /> In memory of her teaching legacy, a fund called the Reba Nelle Jones Scholarship for Aspiring Educators has been established and contributions can be made by mail to Pay it Forward Scholarships, 615 Oak St., Suite F, Gainesville, Ga. 30501.<br /> <br /> A Celebration of Life was held Wednesday, December 31, at Hickory Flat United Methodist Church.

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