Two Richland Parish residents were recognized for their service and leadership at the Monroe Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. annual Mardi Gras Scholarship Gala, which was held at the West Monroe Sports Complex in West Monroe.
Pastor Jalon D. Chatmon was named Richland Parish Humanitarian of the Year, while retired Sgt. 1st Class Joe Jones was selected to serve on the gala court representing Richland Parish.
Chatmon, pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church in Rayville, was recognized for a life of service rooted in faith, compassion and community commitment. He is the son of Yoloanda Dorsey and Justin Scheanette and the grandson of Pastor Eddie Chatmon and the late Crinda Chatmon.
A 2016 graduate of Rayville High School, Chatmon completed his education at the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in 2017.
In September 2023, he founded Peaceful Rest Funeral Home, where he provides services focused on dignity and care for families during times of loss.
He is married to Gabi Chatmon, and they are the parents of two daughters, Jayla and Zion.
Jones, a former Mardi Gras king for the Monroe Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter, was selected to serve on the Richland Parish court in recognition of his decades of military, civic and church involvement.
Jones entered the military in 1983 and completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. He served as a combat engineer and weapons sharpshooter and later earned the rank of E-7 platoon sergeant. His service included a deployment to Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. He retired from the Louisiana Army National Guard after 23 years of service, earning multiple awards and medals.
In addition to his military career, Jones retired from Coca-Cola Enterprises in 2024 after 32 years, serving as district sales manager for the large division.
He remains active in the community, serving as a board member of the Rayville Housing Authority and having spent more than three decades on the board of the Rayville Rosenwald/Eula D. Britton Alumni Association. He is also a past master of Alpha Lodge No. 9.
Jones is a member of First Calvary Baptist Church, where he serves as chairman of the deacons ministry and superintendent of Sunday school.
He is married to Sylivia Curtis-Jones and is the father of two children, T’Era and Johnathon. He is also the grandfather of A’Verie and Royce.
The Mardi Gras Scholarship Gala supported educational scholarships and celebrated community leaders from across the region.
Jones
Chatmon
