Katherine (Kay) Jones She was born in Arkansas and six months later her
parents moved to the Detroit area where Kay is still residing. She
attended Detroit Schools and is a graduate of Miller high School.
Kay joined Blue Shield in 1966,
progressed through the ranks and became a supervisor in the Data
Conversion Department. During her career with the Blues she began a
second career by becoming the epitome of a person performing volunteer
service. Her major contribution involved the BCBSM Christmas Doll
Program in conjunction with the Good Fellows Organization. She recalls
when she
first started this project; they were producing about 500 dolls. During
her time spent until she served as chairperson of this group, the
production climbed to over 2000 yearly. As a volunteer she also assisted
in the Employee Blood Donor Program, the United Way, in which she
received a coveted Ambassador Award and also found time to serve as
Treasurer of the BCBSM Bowling League for ten years. In recognition of
her many achievements during time, as a volunteer, Kay was cited by
Oscar Frenette’s program on WJR of “ Gallery of People Worth Knowing” in
1980 she was one of several receiving the first YMCA Minority
achievement awards
She also has provided years of
community service by assisting in fund raising for the PBS Channel 50
for ten years, ushered at Orchestra Hall for 10 years and the Fox
Theater for a “mere” 5 years.
She currently spends her time at
Metro Airport where she is the volunteer coordinator for Travelers Aid.
This organization is always looking for help and Kay would be pleased to
talk to anyone interested.
It would seem almost impossible for
this lady to find time to enjoy personal pursuits- but she does. She and
a few personal friends have attended all of the Summer Olympics Games
for the past 20 years and she plans to attend the next games taking
place in Bejing, China.
She also discovered it is truly a
small world while attending the games recalling while in Barcelona
sitting on the subway next to gentleman who worked for the Toledo Blade.
On another occasion she met the father of a lady from St. Clair Shore.
She is truly a remarkable person who
has given so much of her time and effort as a volunteer. As she puts it
– she receives a great deal of satisfaction in helping others
