U.S. Jones National Alumni Association
Meet The Ulysses Simpson Jones School National Alumni Association Board Of Directors
Camillia Ratliff-Eatman
Director/Vice Chair
Kimberly Ratliff-Lomax
Director/Secretary
Camillia Ratliff-Eatman is a member of the historic U.S. Jones Class of 1970. She is married to Dennis C. Eatman and she is retired and resides in Tuscaloosa, AL. She is the mother of three sons, grandmother of nine and has two daughters in law.
EDUCATION:
1993 Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, AL, Bachelor of Arts Business Administration
1990 Concordia College, Selma, Alabama, Associate Degree Liberal Arts
1970-1971 Alabama A&M University, Normal, Alabama, General Courses
WORK EXPERIENCE:
1998 to retirement Director of Alabama-Tombigbee Area Agency on Aging
1997-1998 Case Manager
1994-1997 Nutrition Coordinator
1990-1994 Access Services Coordinator
1985-1990 Senior Human Services Coordinator
1984-1985 County Coordinator
1976-1984 Administrative Assistant Eastern Star Baptist Church, Inc.
1971-1976 Sewing Machine Operator Marengo Mills, Demopolis, Alabama
ACTIVITIES: Member of the Elizabeth Baptist Church
Board member Friends of Theo Ratliff Activity Center
Executive Director for the Theo Ratliff Scholarship Fund
Member of White Stone Chapter, Order of Eastern Star #864
I am affiliated with several organizations and have served in various positions.
Kimberly L. Lomax (Ratliff), a Demopolis native, graduated from Demopolis High School in 1991. She attended Alabama Southern, Concordia University and lastly Stillman College where she graduated with honors and earned her Bachelor’s in Business Management in 2001.
She is a member of Eastern Star Baptist Church, Demopolis. She is an active member of the Gospel Choir, the ESBC Praise & Worship Team, and the Youth Ministry.
Kimberly is currently employed as the General Manger of Aarons in Demopolis. She is also a small business owner, Joyful Kreations, specializing in vinyl designs. In addition, she works as a graphic designer for Larkin and Scott Mortuary, LLC. Her most recent undertaking is Secretary of U.S. Jones School National Alumni Association.
She is married to Eddie Lomax for 26 years. They have three beautiful daughters, a handsome son-in-law, and four awesome grandchildren. In her down time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.
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Aggie Ward-Scott
Director/Treasurer
Aggie W. Scott is a native of Demopolis, Alabama. She is married to Harold Scott, who is an alumnus of U.S. Jones High School. They have 3 children, Armisha, Harold Jr., and Leah.
Aggie is a 1974 graduate of Demopolis High School and a 1978 graduate of Tuskegee University. She held positions with several companies before beginning a 30 career as a Tax Examiner with the State of Alabama Revenue Department, retiring in 2018.
She along with her sister are partners in two businesses, The Garage Event Center and Insight Tax Solutions located in downtown Demopolis.
Other positions include Finance Officer of New Morning Star Baptist Church; President of Blackbelt Women Rising, a non-profit organization; Consultant with The AP Center, a non-profit organization; Supervisory Committee Chair and Board Member of Demopolis Federal Credit Union; Board member of Friends of Theo Ratliff Activity Center, a non-profit organization and Treasury of Rural Business and Training Center, a non-profit organization.
Other interest includes traveling, reading and attending exercise and dance classes at the Theo Ratliff Activity Center.
Doris Carter-Henderson
Director/Scholarship Chairperson
I am Doris Carter-Henderson, a 1969 graduate of U.S. Jones. I received my BS degree in Elementary Education from the illustrious Alabama A&M University, Huntsville, AL and my Masters of education from the University of West Alabama, Livingston, AL.
I taught school for a total of 31 years before retiring in 2004. I taught at Westside Elementary (Demopolis City School System) for 29 years and two (2) years at Paramount High School (Greene County School System). Since my retirement, I have worked part-time in Demopolis City School System as a Reading Intervention Teacher for grades K-2nd.
I’ve been married to my husband Bill for 32 years and together we have two (2) daughters. I am a devoted member of Morning Star Baptist Church; where I sing in the church choir and serve as a member of the board of trustees. I have a passion for traveling and have had the wonderful opportunity to visit many different countries and most of the 50 states. If I am not traveling, you can find me reading a good book or chasing my five (5) year old granddaughter around the house.
Dorothy Feagins-Russell
Director/Parliamentarian
I am Dorothy Feagins-Russell, a 1961 graduate of U.S. Jones High. I am a former majorette and cheerleader. After graduating from Dear Ole Jones High, I attended Alabama A & M College, now A & M University. Graduating in 1965 with a degree in Elementary Education.
I also attended University of South Florida and the University of West Alabama. My teaching career began in the state of Georgia. I taught in five (5) states and the United Kingdom (England) before returning home (Demopolis) in 1981. After retiring from the Demopolis City Board of Education (U. S. Jones Elementary), I began volunteering. I've done twelve (12) years with our local hospital auxiliary as a "pink lady" and the same number of years with the Department of Human Resources (DHR) in Linden, AL. At present I am taking a break from volunteering.
I am an active member of the Eastern Star Missionary Baptist Church. Serving on the Usher Board, Matrons, Mission, Sunday School, B.T.U. and the church's bulletin boards.
I am married to my high school sweetheart/friend, George T. Russell (G.T.). We will celebrate 55 years of love/marriage this December.
Rebecca Todd-Russell
Director/Network Historian
Rebecca is a member of U.S. Jones High School class of 1963. She is married to fellow alumnus Leon T. Russell (’61). They have 2 children and 4 grandchildren. Rebecca and Leon reside in Garfield Heights, Ohio.
Rebecca is active in several capacities. She served in many ministries at her church and is currently a volunteer and member of the National Federation of the Blind (Cleveland, OH chapter).
In recognition of both her work and volunteering, Rebecca received the following awards:
Garfield Heights Distinguished Citizen Award for service to the community (Adult Basic Literacy/GED Education Program)
Outstanding Volunteer of the Year – CCBRMD (Cuyahoga County Board of Mental Retardation/Disabilities)
Ohio State PTA Life Member
Rebecca supports the formation of the U.S. Jones National Alumni Association. She says, “Our memories have withstood the test of time and now we will have a physical presence to validate and perpetuate those memories.”
Sandra Norman-Eady is an attorney who was employed by the Connecticut General Assembly (CGA) for over 26 years. She began her career with the CGA analyzing laws for the Judiciary and Government Administration and Election committees. Her areas of expertise included criminal, governmental ethics, freedom of information, and government contracting laws. Sandra ended her career as the first African-American director of the CGA’s Office of Legislative Research.
Sandra graduated from Demopolis High School in 1975, Tuskegee Institute with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 1979, and the University of Minnesota with a law degree in 1982.
Sandra currently resides in Fayetteville, Georgia with her husband, Dr. Myles O. Eady.
Sandra Norman-Eady
Director/Editor-In-Chief
H.E.Chris Smith, III
Director/Technology Engineer
Former member of Morning Star Baptist Church – Demopolis AL
Attended U. S. Jones High School 1963-1970
Graduate of Demopolis High School – 1974
Graduate of the University of Alabama – 1979
Currently a member of Eastern Star Church – Indianapolis
Current member Paragon Masonic Lodge #26 – Demopolis
Current member of Indianapolis Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.
Current member AOPA and ARRL
Former Indiana State Real Estate Broker
For the past 35 years I have worked in the medical equipment maintenance field as a field engineer or manager. The first 10 years of my professional career were spent as a broadcast engineer and radio station owner. I enjoy history and maintaining the Black experience particularly as it applies to our contributions to society. I am especially proud of my upbringing in Demopolis and welcome every opportunity to show case our community. Our town has a rich African American history. I enjoy sharing this rich heritage with those outside our area. We have a great deal to be proud of. As a member of the U.S. Jones Alumni Board I would work diligently to preserve the history of the school, to recognize our graduates and highlight their accomplishments. Demopolis has been the cradle of several talented African American success stories. Many matriculated through the halls of U.S. Jones prior to total system integration. As former attendees and graduates, we have an obligation to perpetuate the memory and legacy that our instructors and mentors left.
Walter R. Weiss
Director/Public Relations
Walter R. Weiss, Sr. is a native of Baton Rouge Louisiana and a fourth-generation member of Wesley United Methodist Church. Walter and his family moved to Demopolis Alabama in 1946. He attended John Essex School in 1947 and later came to U. S. Jones School in 1948 and stayed there until graduating in 1959. In 1954 he was a member of the first band that was organized that year and he was one of its first members. He believes that it was about 1956 that Mr. A. J. Rowser was so proud of this new band that he was responsible for getting it into their first Thanksgiving Day parade when Tuskegee Institute and Alabama State played their game. He states that they played every year until he graduated in 1959.
In 1958, as a Junior, he was elected Vice-President of the student body.
Walter’s Class of 1959 now has their class reunion every two years and that they were one of the first classes to start a scholarship fund.
He is a veteran of the United States Air Force serving in Texas, Wyoming, New Jersey, and a three-year tour in Europe (England, France, & Germany). He is the father of two children: Walter, Jr. and Kimberly Renee, the grandfather of two: Bakari Weiss and Eddie J. Christmas, and the great grandfather of two: Cullen Weiss and Ainsley Weiss.
Walter is retired from A.T.&T. with thirty-two years of service, holding many varied positions from installer to systems technician. During that time, he was also active in the St. Landry Parish Utility Council holding the office of President and Vice President. He was also active in the Baton Rouge Opera Company, the Baton Rouge Community Chorus, and the Negro Spiritual Heritage Choir. At Wesley UMC, Walter plays an active part in the life of the church. He is a member of the Combined Choir, and past Finance Committee, Administration Council, and was President of the Trustee Board for several years, as well as a Lay Leader and is a delegate to the Annual Conference and Treasurer of the United Methodist Men. Walter has taught Disciple Bible Study “Jesus in the Gospels”, and attends all six Disciple Bible Studies and Wednesday Bible Class.
We, as a class (USJ 1959) may be slowing down with age, but we are still active. He urges other classes before and after his to get involved and do what you can to preserve the USJ legacy. It is worth the effort to do your part to help sustain the Ulysses Simpson Jones School as a historical landmark. So please get involved.
Dr. Alliquippa Diane Allen
Director/Educational Outreach
Dr. Aliquippa Allen is the Founder and Executive Director of the Rural Business and Training Center (RBTC), Inc., CEO of Di-A-Dex, LLC, retired Academic Dean, and retired Air Force Veteran. Aliquippa is an entrepreneur and a certified business coach, facilitator, and speaker.
Dr. Allen is very active in her community and has served on the executive boards of the Marengo County Economic Development Authority, the Demopolis City School Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Leadership Marengo, YouLead, and the Alabama Communities of Excellence. She was also a participant of Leadership Marengo, Leadership Sumter, Leadership Alabama, and she is a current fellow in the Delta Regional Authority Leadership Institute.
Aliquippa is a Demopolis native but grew up in the Bronx, NY. She held military positions such as Superintendent of the AF Space Command Inspector General Team, Commandant of a Non-commissioned Officers Academy, and Command Chief Master Sergeant, 81 Training Wing, Keesler AFB, MS. Dr. Allen’s academic career included positions such as Department Chair, Business Administration, Management, and Marketing, Associate, Interim, and Dean of the College of Business and Technology at the University of West Alabama.
Dr. Allen resides in Demopolis and has one son.
Lawrence Lee
Director/Chairman of the Board
Lawrence is a member of the historic U. S Jones High School Class of 1970 and he attended Barnard Baruch College in New York City receiving a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1977 with honors. While working as a District Manager of Marketing for the Postal Service in 1993 in Nashville TN, he attended the University of Phoenix online as a part of an executive leadership development program receiving a Masters of Business Administration degree with honors as well. He has been the president of several national organizations and continues to mentor others in management development. He is an active member of the Lake Providence Missionary Baptist Church in Nashville TN.
Currently, he is a national government contractor performing HUD Inspections and managing disability hearings for the Social Security Administration in the southeast area. He is involved with helping others to develop as contractors and providing leadership assistance with professional resource management teams.
He is married to Bernadette Waters-Lee, who also attended U. S. Jones and they reside in Franklin TN. Lawrence enjoys spending time with family which includes his son Timothy (his wife Michele) & daughter Tobi (her husband Spencer) plus his joyful grandchildren Alana, Zaria and Raphael. In addition, he loves golfing, most sports, traveling, Broadway Theatre and good jazz plus neo soul music. Lawrence is extremely proud of his humble upbringing in Demopolis AL and his primary education at the U. S. Jones High School. It opened doors all over the world, which allowed him to experience people and cultures around the globe. His passion is helping others to be their best, encouraging mentees and achieving more through unity and teamwork.