Vivian Malone Jones enrolled at the University of Alabama and created the historic event: "Stand in the Schoolhouse Door". She went on to be the first African American graduate of the University of Alabama in 1965. She was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Human Letters by the University of Alabama in 2000 and was honored as one of it's most outstanding graduates. A scholarship in her hame was endowed by the University. While at the University of Alabama she met her husband Dr. Mack A Jones. They were married for thirty eight years. To this union, two children, Michael Anthony and Monica Alicia were born. Professionally, Vivian spent her entire career fighting injustice - for the Justice Department in Washington, DC and later as the Director of Environmental Justice for the EPA in Atlanta. She was named the Executive Director of the Voter Education Project, a nonprofit agency, aimed at educating and empowering the disenfranchised. Most importantly, Vivian has always been a woman of great strength with an abiding faith. She was a devout member of From the Heart Church Ministries. She is survived by her children, siblings - Elvin Malone Sr, (Verna) Clinton Malone Sr, (Cheryl) Charles Malone, Joyce Phillips, Gwendolyn Moseby (Bernard), Margie Tuckson (Reed), and Sharon Malone (Eric), grandchildren - Mishaun, Amber and Kasiem, brothers and sisters in law - Willie Jones, Roosevelt Hones, Elouise Mitchell (Carl), Flora Wright Katie Jones, Gloria Jones; numerous other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly. Final arrangements were entrusted to Murray Brothers Funeral Home, Inc.
At the time of the presentation of the crystal eagle award in his wife's memory, Gov. Wallace said, "Vivian Malone Jones was at the center of the fight over states' rights and conducted herself with grace, strength and, above all, courage. She deserves to be rewarded for her actions in that air of uncertainty."
Vivian Jones and George Wallace
''I asked him why did he do it," she said. ''He said he did what he felt needed to be done at that point in time, but he would not do that today. At that point, we spoke -- I spoke -- of forgiveness."
