Jones, Joyce, 1897-1980.

University of Michigan botanist and Ann Arbor handweaver.

Joyce Hedrick Jones was born July 1, 1897 in Fort Recovery, Ohio. She received a bachelor's and master's degree from Miami of Ohio University and came to Ann Arbor in 1929. In 1933, Joyce married Volney H. Jones, a well-known professor of ethnobotany at the University of Michigan. During the next 30 years, Joyce Jones worked at the University of Michigan Herbarium, first as research assistant, then assistant curator, and finally curator of lichens. She also published articles on lichens based on her research during the 1930's and 1940's.

In addition to her career, Joyce Jones was interested in artistic endeavors involving weaving. She was a prominent weaver in Ann Arbor, originating the weaving program at the Y.M.-Y.W.C.A., and was one of the founding members of both the Ann Arbor Handweavers' Guild and the Michigan League of Handweavers. Also, Jones was an active member of the Ann Arbor Art Association, and worked as registrar and demonstrator of weaving at the annual Ann Arbor Street Art Fair until her death.

Involved in numerous organizations, Mrs. Jones often held positions of leadership. For example, she served on the Board of Directors for the Y.M.-Y.W.C.A. and also acted as chairperson of the Adult Program Committee and the Program and Personnel Expediting Committee.. She also served as either treasurer, secretary, or vice-president in organizations such as the Women's Alliance of the First Unitarian Church and others. Mrs. Jones was a member of professional organizations as well, such as the Michigan Academy of Science, Arts and Letters, and the Mycological Society of America. She died February 2, 1980.