Mattie Smith Jones dies at 85

Mattie Smith Jones held people responsible for their actions.

"She was very warm and compassionate, but she was no-nonsense," her son, Curtis R. Smith of Oxon Hill, Md., said. "She definitely had a way about how things should be done."

Mrs. Jones, a resident of Varina in Henrico County, died Thursday. She was 85. She was the widow of Carlton L. Jones.

Mrs. Jones retired as director of mental health for Hanover County. A former social worker, she always offered advice and support to people she knew.

Whenever he did something inappropriate, she didn't let him blame it on other people when he had a role in it, said Smith, a retired chief of police for the University of the District of Columbia.

"Her attempt was to make me a person to be responsible for my own actions," he said.

Smith said his mother earned an education when it was unusual for women to do so. Smith graduated with a bachelor's in sociology from Virginia Union University in 1955. Three years later, she graduated with a degree in social work from Richmond Professional Institute, which became Virginia Commonwealth University. She worked as assistant professor at VCU's School of Social Work and as a field supervisor in social work for Charles City County.

"Mattie Jones was generations ahead of herself in social work concepts and interpersonal skills," said Byron M. Adkins, director of social services for Charles City County. He worked with Mrs. Jones for 10 to 15 years, he said. "She was a person that, when you first met her, you felt as if you've known her all your life. She was youthful and had love and vigor for all human beings."

The North American Field Educators Directors Association honored Mrs. Jones with the Heart of Social Work Award in 1995 for lifetime achievement in field instruction. VCU recognized her in 1989 with the Star Award for being an outstanding alumna. Smith recalls his mother at one of the award ceremonies celebrating with her students.

"I've got pictures of her dancing with a student," he said.

Gail P. Clayton, clerk of Surry County Circuit Court, said that during her years as county administrator for Charles City in the mid-1990s, Mrs. Jones involved students in a criminal task force and after-school activities. Mrs. Jones was always there when she needed to talk about her personal or professional issues, Clayton said.

"She was just one of the most pleasant, easy to get along, supportive people I've ever known," she said. "She will be missed by many, many people."

In addition her son, survivors include a brother, Joseph Somerville; and five sisters, Beulah Somerville, Agnes Bullock, Madge Fletcher, Julia Williams and Joanne Taylor.

A funeral will be held Thursday at noon at St. John Baptist Church in Charles City. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Contact Juan Antonio Lizama at (804) 649-6513 or .