For Immediate Release – October 2, 2025
City of Florence, Housing Authority of Florence, and Francis Marion University to Host Unveiling of the Dr. Iola Jones Park Historical Marker
Media Contacts: Scotty Davis, Florence City Manager - sdavis@cityofflorence.com or 843-665-3113
FLORENCE, SC – The City of Florence, Housing Authority of Florence, and Francis Marion University will host an unveiling ceremony for the placement of the Dr. Iola Jones Park historical marker. The event will take place on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Dr. Iola Jones Park, located at 608 E. Maxwell Street. The event will begin at the Oakland Place Community Apartment sign and continue at the Dr. Iola Jones Park Amphitheater.
In 1973, the City of Florence established Dr. Iola Jones Park on the site of the former American Legion Stadium, which burned down in 1970. The park was named in honor of Dr. Iola Deas Jones (1892–1978), a Florence native whose life was devoted to public service and community leadership.
During the Great Depression, Jones served as an investigator for the National Recovery Administration in Florence before beginning a nearly 30-year career with the Department of Welfare. She also served as President of the Florence branch of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), where she played a pivotal role in establishing and operating the Florence County Foster Home for Colored Children. Her leadership extended to many organizations, including serving on the board of the Community Chest, President of the Women’s State Baptist Convention of South Carolina, President of a local Daughter Elks chapter, state officer for the Household of Ruth, and head of the Garden Club. She also served on the Board of Trustees for Morris College in Sumter, where she received an honorary doctorate in 1965.
Today, the park named in her honor features two outdoor basketball courts, an amphitheater, a playground, a walking trail, and an indoor community center equipped with a boxing ring, computer lab, and multipurpose rooms.
Parking and Shuttle Information:
Parking will be available at Dr. Iola Jones Park as well as Oakland Plaza (Big T’s Shopping Center), 1113 Oakland Avenue. A shuttle service will operate from Oakland Plaza beginning at 5:30 PM, running every 10 minutes.
This celebration highlights the enduring legacy of Dr. Iola Deas Jones and her contributions to the Florence community. The public is invited to attend and take part in recognizing her lasting impact.
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