About Us

About Us

Who We are

The Mabel Horton and Billy Jones Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization managed by a Board of Directors established to uplift and empower underrepresented youth, enabling them to unlock their full potential. With a strong dedication to higher education, the foundation provides a variety of opportunities such as scholarships, mentorship programs, academic guidance, and career development initiatives. By offering these valuable resources, the foundation aims to cultivate academic excellence, personal growth, and career readiness among underrepresented students aspiring to achieve excellence and effect positive change in their communities and beyond.

Our Founder

Billy D. Jones, Sr.

Founder

Billy David Jones Sr., a native of Detroit, is the founder of The Mabel Horton and Billy Jones Foundation. From an early age, Billy was determined to overcome the challenges of growing up in inner-city Detroit. He excelled in basketball, football, and baseball, showcasing exceptional athletic abilities. At the age of 12, his passion for baseball led him to victory in the Little League Series. Throughout his high school years at Detroit Western High School and later at Jackson Community College, Billy continued to pursue his love for sports. In 1981, he received an athletic scholarship to Northern Illinois University, where he further honed his skills and competed on the baseball field. Billy’s tenacity extended beyond sports, as he was a student of life with a strong work ethic. He graduated from Northern Illinois with honors, earning a degree in Occupational Safety & Health. Billy’s academic achievements were further highlighted by his advancement degree in Occupational Safety & Health. He embarked on a successful career, working for esteemed organizations such as Home Depot Corporation, Walt Disney World Company, and Walmart Corporation. His expertise in Occupational Safety and Health allowed him leadership opportunities, making a significant impact in the field. Inspired by his late mother, Mabel Horton, Billy’s commitment to mentorship and guidance drove him to establish The Mabel Horton College Scholarship. This foundation not only provides financial assistance to numerous college students but also makes a lasting impact on their lives. Billy’s dedication to education and mentorship has left a remarkable legacy of community advancement and empowerment. The Mabel Horton and Billy Jones Foundation, guided by Billy’s core values, is dedicated to helping underserved youth achieve higher education and make a positive impact on their community. Through scholarships, mentorship programs, and community initiatives, the foundation strives to create opportunities for young individuals to pursue their dreams and reach their highest potential. Billy’s personal journey of defying the odds and his commitment to giving back serve as an inspiration for the foundation’s mission and the lives it aims to transform.

Our Educator

Mabel Horton Billingslea-Jones

Educator

Mabel Horton, a native of Arno, Virginia, dedicated her life to education and working with children. After graduating from Bland High School in Big Stone Gap, Virginia in 1955, she moved to Detroit to pursue her lifelong dream. Mabel attended Wayne State University, majoring in Education.

In 1975, Mabel graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Science degree and began her teaching career at Hancock Primary School. She later worked at Pelham Middle School for many years until her retirement. Throughout her 30-year tenure in the Detroit Public Schools, Mabel was a beloved and award-winning teacher. In 1999, she received the distinguished “Booker T. Washington – Teacher of the Year Award” for her dedication and impact on the lives of hundreds of children on Detroit’s West Side.

Mabel took great pride in teaching multiple generations of families and witnessing her students’ success in their collegiate and professional endeavors. Her influence extended beyond the classroom, as she also served as a role model and mentor to her fellow educators. During lunch breaks, Mabel’s classroom became a gathering place for peer teachers who admired her humor, Christian faith, and relied on her for guidance and support.

Mabel’s legacy as an inspiring educator and her contributions to the community will always be remembered and cherished by those whose lives she touched.

Board of Directors

Ashley Green-Adams, D.D.S

Chief Executive Officer

Clinton Britt-Adams

Chief Development Officer

Jameka McElroy, PA-C

Director of Education

Kayla Williams, M.D

Director of Recruitment & Retention

Alesia Wright-McAdoo

Mentorship Program Director

Xavier Endress

Director of Operations

Our Scholars

KHAMIL SCARBOROUGH

VALENCIA COLLEGE

PIERO GIOVANNI

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS ARLINGTON

ARNELL FLEMING JR.

GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

BRIANNA MARTIN

WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

KYLIE GRANT

PRATT COLLEGE

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