SENATE RESOLUTION 4
(By Senator Smith (Mr. President))
[Introduced February 12, 2025]
Recognizing the public service of Frances Jones on the occasion of Mineral County Day at the Legislature.
Whereas, Frances Jones raised her family of six children in Keyser, WV, along with her husband, who after 28 years of marriage passed away. Upon his death, Frances moved to California to be closer to her children where she worked various jobs, including a position with Kaiser Aluminum and Steel Plant where she initiated a prayer group and bible study; and
Whereas, Frances Jones was driven by a strong calling to help those who were battered and broken, a life experience similar to her own; and
Whereas, Frances began working with Teen Challenge in San Rafael, California. As executive director for seven years, she founded a recovery house for women and became deeply involved in supporting those struggling with addiction. Her work took her internationally, as she made several mission trips to underprivileged areas to share her ministry and support those in need; and
Whereas, Frances' personal life changed when she met Calvin Jones, who had been introduced to her by a close friend, and later they married. Tragically, Calvin was diagnosed with cancer shortly after their marriage, and after a four-year battle, he passed away; and
Whereas, Upon Calvin’s death, Frances moved to Cumberland, Maryland, where she continued her ministry to the battered and broken. There, she opened a home for homeless women, abused women and their children, and recently released prisoners in need of transition. In 2004, she founded the nonprofit Restoration of the Heart, which provided services to those facing homelessness, abuse, and addiction. She worked closely with individuals, including one high-profile former prisoner who had served 35 years; and
Whereas, Frances eventually returned to Keyser, where she founded Women on the Move for God, an outreach ministry that hosted events such as luncheons for professional women, offering fellowship and mutual support. She also became involved with the Mineral County Chamber of Commerce, contributing to civic projects like Mineral County Day at the Legislature, where she made history as the first woman to open the West Virginia State Legislative session with prayer; and
Whereas, Frances played a key role in organizing local community events, including Oktoberfest and the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. She continued her community outreach through various initiatives, and in 2021, God gave her a new vision, leading to the creation of the Loving Hands Outreach Center. This faith-based center offers a wide range of services, including assistance with food, clothing, addiction recovery, and more. The center also holds Bible studies, fellowship breakfasts, and referrals to other local agencies; and
Whereas, Frances has chaired Keyser's National Day of Prayer breakfast for several years, furthering her commitment to prayer and community involvement; and
Whereas, Frances Jones has overcome adversity in her life to becoming a strong influence in her community ministering to the battered and broken; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby recognizes the public service of Frances Jones on the occasion of Mineral County Day at the Legislature; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to Frances Jones.