Women's History: Rita Jones

HUNTINGDON — For more than two decades, Rita Jones has served Carroll County as a dedicated public official in the Assessor of Property office. From mapping parcels to overseeing property assessments, her career has been marked by precision, adaptability, and a commitment to the community. Now, as she nears retirement in 2026, Jones reflects on her years of service and the many changes she has witnessed in her field.

Jones began her tenure in the Assessor of Property office in 1999, initially working as a mapper and clerk. In 2011, following the passing of then-Assessor Johnny Bradford, she was appointed to the role before being elected in 2012. She has remained the county’s Assessor of Property ever since, overseeing real estate assessments, maintaining property records, and ensuring compliance with state regulations.

“The job changes every year,” Jones said. “It’s the same work, but policies, regulations, and circumstances shift constantly. You have to stay on top of it.”

One of the most significant projects during her tenure was the development of the Thousand Acre Lake area. “They bought all that land out there, and we had to track what was being dug out for the lake,” she recalled. “That was a unique and memorable project.”

Jones takes great pride in the accuracy and transparency of her office, noting that she has received clean audits every year since assuming the assessor role. “That’s something I’m really proud of,” she said. “It’s important that the public trusts our work and that everything is handled properly.”

Her dedication has not gone unnoticed. Jones was honored as Assessor of the Year in 2021.

A native of Carroll County, Jones grew up between McLemoresville and Trezevant. She attended McLemoresville Elementary and later graduated from Trezevant High School before taking courses at both the University of Tennessee and Jackson State.

Beyond her work in public service, Jones has another passion: gospel music. A singer for more than 50 years, she has traveled throughout West Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas, performing with multiple groups. In the 1970s and early 1980s, she was a member of the Young Harvesters, a gospel group that included Richard Welch, the former basketball coach at Trezevant High School. Later, she sang with Gospel Edition, a group that even had the opportunity to perform at the Grand Ole Opry.

“We traveled quite a bit back then,” Jones said. “It was an incredible experience.” While she doesn’t perform as often today, she still sings occasionally, though her growing number of grandchildren keeps her plenty busy.

In addition to her work and music, Jones is a devoted mother and grandmother. Her son, Dusty Jones, has followed a path of public service, working as a paramedic and nurse. Family remains at the center of her life, and she cherishes the time spent with her loved ones.

As she prepares to retire in 2026, Jones is looking forward to the next chapter of her life, but she remains deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served her community. “It’s been an honor,” she said. “I’ve met so many great people over the years, traveling all over the county, attending barbecues, fish fries—you name it. It’s been a wonderful experience.”

Though her time as Assessor of Property will soon come to a close, her legacy of service and commitment to Carroll County will remain, both in the records she has helped maintain and in the voices of those who have heard her sing.