Remembering Mrs. Betty Jones: Beloved Teacher, Director of College Counseling

It is with heartfelt sadness that we share the passing of a long-time and cherished member of the Norfolk Collegiate community, Mrs. Betty Jones, who passed away last week.

Mrs. Jones served our school with distinction from 1975 until her retirement in 2010, impacting generations of students and families through her roles as a teacher and, most notably, as director of college counseling. Her work laid the foundation for our current college counseling program, and her influence continues to shape our approach today.

While the tools and timelines in the college admissions process have evolved over the years, our philosophy has remained grounded in Mrs. Jones' belief in helping students find the “right fit.” She eloquently and consistently emphasized the importance of students taking ownership of their journey—an approach that remains central to our mission.

Mrs. Jones' impact extended well beyond the walls of her office. She played an integral role in leading curriculum development, teacher task forces, strategic planning efforts, and successful accreditation processes. Her quiet strength and dedication to excellence helped shape much of the school's work during her tenure.

Beyond our campus, Mrs. Jones was a respected leader in the broader college counseling community. She was honored with the Richard L. Apperson Award by the Potomac and Chesapeake Association for College Admissions Counseling (PCACAC), which recognizes extraordinary service to students, the profession and the association itself.

After retiring, Mrs. Jones and her husband, Bill, continued their commitment to education by sponsoring the Jones Speaker Series, which brought authors, scientists, historians and musicians to campus, reflecting her belief in the essential role of the humanities in a well-rounded education.

Please join us in keeping Bill, and their sons, Bruce ’87 and Brad ’89, in your thoughts and prayers during this time. A private family service was held earlier this week, and a memorial service will be planned for later this summer. We will share details with our community once they are available.

Mrs. Jones leaves behind a legacy of compassion, excellence and service that will continue to inspire generations of Oaks to come. She will be deeply missed.