Erin Niccole Jones, a 2009 graduate of the University of North Georgia, died on Wednesday, July 8, 2015. Erin earned a bachelor of science degree in political science from UNG and was an active member of the student body. She volunteered her time by serving in many clubs and organizations on campus including the Political Science Student Association, Invisible Children, and the UNG Honors Program.

After leaving UNG, Erin continued her focus on serving others and advocating for social justice through her work as a 911 supervisor with Forsyth County. In addition, she volunteered with Hall-Dawson Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) where she selflessly worked to serve her community by helping abused and neglected children.

Erin was a champion for others and truly loved helping those around her. She lived deeply and fully and made the world a better place by simply being Erin. She was wise beyond her 28 years and offered love, kindness and empathy to everyone she met.

Most of all Erin was a devoted mother, daughter, and friend. She left behind many who care for her and are better people just because of Erin’s impact on their lives. She maintained a hopeful outlook in everything she did and everything she believed regardless of the circumstances. Erin’s view of the world was a “cynical idealism”, an outlook that Howard Zinn illustrates flawlessly:

“To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness.”

Erin was compassion, sacrifice, courage, and kindness and she exemplified those values daily. We will miss her.

— J. Derek Sutton, M.P.A. ‘03