Christopher Shays: “I rise today to urge the passing of this bill designating the post office in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, as the Dr.…”

“I rise today to urge the passing of this bill designating the post office in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, as the Dr. Clifford Bell Jones, Sr. Post Office. Dr. Jones led an honorable life serving his country, profession, and community with dignity for well over half a century. A veteran of World War I, Dr. Jones returned home to earn his bachelor of science from Shaw University and ultimately his doctorate of dental surgery from Meharry Medical College Dental School in 1927. He began his professional career in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and found himself at home. He practiced general dentistry there for 66 years. Outside of the office, he remained extremely active in his community. With the encouragement of other council members, including the father of Mr. Butterfield, Dr. Jones ran for city council in 1957. He was defeated by just 28 votes. Though he did not win the seat, he was one of the first African Americans to run for city council. In the 1960s, Dr. Jones served on the Elizabeth City-Pasquotank County School Board and as deacon at his church. Throughout his life, Dr. Jones' contributions were recognized by those whom he touched. Among his many honors he received the Meharry Medical College President's Award for Service to Mankind and a special recognition award for loyalty and service to the dental profession from the Old North State Dental Society.”