The Jones County School System celebrated its 2025 retirees with a luncheon where honorees received goodie bags and a personalized glass clock, symbolizing the time, dedication, and impact they have made throughout their careers.
Director of Jones County Pre-K Amy Marlowe recognized educators Kristi Harley, Page Sole, and Audrey Stoudemire for their service and dedication to the Jones County School System.
“Mrs. Harley, Mrs. Sole, and Mrs. Stoudemire are outstanding Pre-K educators, and I am so glad they have reached this milestone, but it is bittersweet. Together, they have taught over 2000 students and have 88 years of service between them. They will be missed,” Marlowe said.
Harley shared brief words of wisdom from her years of experience at Jones County Pre-K.
“Enjoy what you do every day because I feel like there is no better reward than being a teacher,” she said.
Stoudemire reflected on the end of her career with fondness.
“It has been a wonderful journey. I am excited about retiring, and I cannot wait to see what the next chapter holds,” she said.
Mattie Wells Elementary School Principal Gwinette Hudson recognized Tracy Higgins, Jay Jones, and Marjie McElveen for their years of service and impact on the school community.
Hudson praised Higgins for her dedication and versatility in the classroom.
“Tracy Higgins was our last veteran kindergarten paraprofessional. She is a true example of the instruction of a para, taking over the classroom as a teacher several times and always doing a great job,” Hudson said.
She spoke with admiration about Jones and the influence he had on students.
“Jay Jones, coach, I do not even have the words to describe this guy. He is an awesome man of God, and all the kids love him. We are sad to see him go,” she said.
Hudson also highlighted the leadership and consistency Marjie McElveen brought to her role.
“Marjie is our first and only paraprofessional lead for 25 years. She does a fantastic job making sure our paras know exactly what is going on. We will really miss having her around,” she said.
Turner Woods Elementary Principal Keisha Pitts recognized Betty Bostic and Patricia Woodford for their dedication and contributions to the school.
Pitts reflected on Bostic’s long-standing presence and positive spirit.
“She has been here since Turner Wood’s inception in the cafeteria. She always has a beautiful smile and a calm personality, keeping up with the hustle and bustle and keeping everyone in order. Everyone will miss her,” she said.
She also shared heartfelt words about Woodford’s commitment and faith.
“She has been a shoulder for me. A woman of God who is extremely dedicated. Her part happens before I even get to school in the morning. Her dedication and working beyond contract hours show she does everything with dedication and love,” she said.
Principal of Gray Elementary School Melody Nebel recognized teacher Jennifer Smith for 31 years of dedicated service to the school and community.
Smith expressed gratitude as she looks ahead to retirement.
“As I transition to retirement, I am grateful for the support I have received while being part of the Jones County School System. At Gray Elementary, I have been blessed with great leaders, awesome colleagues, precious children, and supportive parents. I will treasure the memories and friendship always,” she said.
Jones County High School Principal Dennis Woolfolk honored retirees Cariad Bundrick and Dr. Tiffany Walker for their meaningful contributions to the school’s culture and student success.
Woolfolk spoke with admiration about Bundrick’s lasting impact on the school’s art program and her unwavering character.
“When you think of art at Jones County High School, Mrs. Bundrick represents that. She is always dedicated, and you never have to worry about her doing the right thing and her students are the same. They are good people because she is a wonderful person. The culture she built will always be a part of JCHS,” he said.
Bundrick underscored that she will always cherish Jones County because of its close-knit community.
Woolfolk also reflected on the unique energy and compassion Dr. Walker brought to her role.
“After spending a little time working with Dr. Walker, I knew she was different and just the difference that we needed. She brought a strong, motherly type of interaction with students. She is a breath of fresh air to the high school—sometimes maybe a tornado or earthquake—but a lot of times a rainbow. I can truly say I have worked with my sister,” he said.
Superintendent Charles Lundy recognized the principal of Gray Station Middle School, Leigh Ann Anderson, and the Assessment and Federal Programs Director at the Board of Education, Charlotte Foskey.
Both women were honored for their decades of dedication, leadership, and commitment to the students and staff of Jones County Schools.
“Anderson served in many roles in middle and elementary school. She has been a friend of mine for many years. She fosters camaraderie among principals and has done a wonderful job in all roles she served in. She is one of my favorite people I have ever worked with,” he said.
Assistant Principal at Gray Station Middle School Shannon Smith commented on Anderson’s retirement.
“It is very sad, but she is going on to better things and will be greatly missed,” she said.
Anderson spoke about her retirement.
“It has been an honor to serve Jones County for 28 years. I still think teaching is the best profession ever,” she said.
Lundy talked about Foskey and her 32 years of service.
“We have worked together closely and loosely since she came to the county many years ago. She has worn many hats and done a wonderful job with a wealth of knowledge in the fast field of education. She has been part of almost all our departments in such an integral way. She is someone we will truly miss and who I consider a good friend,” he said.
Foskey spoke about her service in the Jones County School System.
“What means the most to me is that the Jones County School System has always been a part of my life. I went to school in Jones County since I was eight, and I have never interviewed anywhere else. I have only ever wanted to work here. I am so thankful I have had this opportunity. It has been a fantastic career, teaching kids was the best part, and I have loved everyone I have worked with,” she said.
Chairman Ginger Bailey praised all the retirees for their success and commitment to bettering education in Jones County.
“The Jones County Boardof Education would like to thank all of our 2025 retirees for their years of dedication to our children and this school district. Have a blessed retirement,” she said.
