In Memoriam: Barbara Jones
Out Front commemorates the life of Barbara Jones, an educator and spirited AIDS first responder. Barbara donated all of her minutes to those in need of equality, a voice, or a role model.
Barbara began her life in Evanston, Illinois before receiving her education at Grinnell College and a Masters from the University of Wisconsin. From then on, she made Colorado her home, teaching and eventually administrating for more than twenty years in the Adams County School District.
During her time as an educator, she was also an active volunteer for the Girl Scouts of America. Her contributions to children as both a teacher and a scout leader showcase Barbara as a believer in the future. Barbara is the modern example of the ancient Greek adage, “A society grows great when old men/women plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”
Debra Pollock, CEO of the GLBT Center, worked alongside Barbara for many years. “She was interested in young people and making sure they had a solid foundation.”
After retiring as a school administrator, Barbara became the Director of Volunteer Training for the Mile High Council of the Girl Scouts. She was a true and trusted leader.
Like many Coloradans, Barbara loved the outdoors. She spent her summers canoe-tripping the lakes in the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area on the border between Minnesota and Ontario, Canada. As a scout leader, she loved to raise morale by singing campfire songs with her girl scouts. Barbara loved adventure and travel, whether it was by plane or canoe paddle.
It’s no surprise that her generosity to others extended into speaking up for victims struck by the devastating AIDS crisis of the 80s and 90s. Pollock describes her contributions:
“Barb was heavily involved in responding to AIDS when the government really didn’t care, when there was no funding for AIDS, when we were just watching our friends die. She was there. She was one of the first.”
Barbara was involved in politics within Denver and Colorado. She is proof that by making noise, you can be heard and you can change circumstances. “We have made huge legislative strides in the state because of people like Barb. She inspired other people to get involved,” says Pollock. Barbara was an organizer who got every wheel moving in unison.
Barbara served on boards at the GLBT Center, the Board of Equality Colorado, and two terms as chairperson for the Colorado AIDS Project.
Clearly, Barb was a super volunteer. She gave her time to numerous nonprofits like PFLAG and Project Angel Heart, a nonprofit that cooks and delivers quality meals for individuals with life-threatening illnesses. Her work as first responder to the AIDS crisis inspired her to volunteer with the organization baking lasagna alongside a dozen others for those coping with HIV/AIDS in early 90s.
Barbara leaves behind an inspiring legacy. Looking at her life, it’s obvious her mantra screams, “Get involved!” She exemplifies the importance of boldness and proactivity. Barbara never got to see a world free of AIDS, but she did get to see one with growing management. She saw the trees she planted grow and caught some of their shade, she saw the promise in the future.
“She really wanted to make a difference. And she did,” Pollock says. “She’ll be greatly missed.”
Barbara Jones passed on August 7, 2015 to Alzheimer’s disease. Although the sickness may have taken many of her memories, they are survived by her hundreds of students and girl scouts, her family, and everyone she inspired along the way.
Our most sincere condolences to all affected by her passing from the team at Out Front.
