L. Morris Jones, M.D., Class of 1953 

(husband of Adrienne Lash Jones, Ph.D., Class of 1956)

L. Morris Jones, M.D. passed away on Wednesday, August 19, at his home in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. He was born in Cleveland Ohio on November 12, 1929, to Lylah Watson Jones and Lotus Jones, M.D. He graduated from East High school in Cleveland, and joined the army under the special "Truman" one year term. He attended and graduated from Fisk University in 1953 with a concentration in zoology. Upon graduation he followed in the footsteps of his father who attended and graduated from Meharry Medical School in 1924. Morris Jones graduated from Meharry in 1957. While in his junior year at Meharry he married Adrienne Lash. After finishing medical school they moved to Flint, MI for his internship. He and his newly married bride headed back to Cleveland to establish a medical practice in 1958.The practice was established in the Hough neighborhood which was all white at the time where he encountered resistance and was not welcome.

Within 10 years the neighborhood became an overcrowded black ghetto, due to the displacement of blacks in other parts of downtown as a result of the construction of the community college. He practiced in the Hough area for 18 years and was one of the only doctors who remained throughout the riots of the 60's. In 1975 he moved his practice to East Cleveland and built a medical building with the assistance of a loan from First Bank, a new black run bank in Cleveland. In 1962 Dr. Jones moved his family to Shaker Heights and built a home on Van Aken Blvd. The family was an early part of the integration that successfully occurred in that suburb.

Dr. Jones was a true intellectual. He loved the Spanish language and culture, and was an expert on the art and culture of the Sioux Nation. He was an avid reader, with a wide range of interests, and he spent many long hours with his horse, Ken Ken, as a dressage rider. In later years he became interested in tai chi, and became quite accomplished in that sport. He enjoyed bow hunting and camping with his sons and neighbor children. He was a mentor, role model and friend for many, some of whom followed him into the medical field. His patients often became his friends, as he was always available to listen to their problems and encourage them to follow their dreams. During those years, Morris and Adrienne Jones were very active contributors to the community and were well known and respected for their support of the arts. He was an early supporter of organized medicine, and served on the Board of Personal Physician Care. He was also a long­suffering fan of the Cleveland Browns.

After practicing in Cleveland for 42 years Dr. Jones retired to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where the family had spent many happy vacations. He was truly a family man, who took great pride in the accomplishments of his extended family. Their home in Shaker Heights was known to many as a place of peace, refuge and spirited conversation.

He is survived by his wife, Adrienne Jones, Ph.D. and his three sons, Derek (Cheryl Weston), Darryl (Nicole Roberts) and Brian Jones. He will be sorely missed by his grandchildren, Justin, Jade, Christopher, Chloe, and Christina, his nieces, nephews "little brother," Duwan Young and many godchildren and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations in Dr. Jones' name be made to Fisk University, Office of Advancement Services, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

Online condolences may be made to: www.burroughsfh.com.

 

 

 

 

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